Jill ZamEk was honored as the 2022 Climate Champion at its 2023 Kick-Off Celebration on January 19. She received this award from the Coalition and recognition from Senator Laird for going “above and beyond” in her commitment to the Coalition’s vision, mission, and values.

Jill joined the Coalition in 2019 and joined the Leadership Team shortly after. She has worked behind-the-scenes in communications and outreach for all programs. She is also involved in the Coalition’s program, Uniting the Central Coast for Action, which collaborates with individuals and environmental organizations in the five counties served by Central Coast Community Energy.

Jill has devoted her adult life to the education of young people and to the preservation of our planet for future generations. Until her recent retirement, she worked as an elementary school teacher – the last 20 years of her career at Oceano School.

In addition to her volunteer work with the SLO Climate Coalition, Jill is on the Board of Directors of San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace, a watchdog group for Diablo Canyon nuclear plant. She has been an active member in that organization since 1980. Jill is also a member of a national organization – the National Radioactive Waste Coalition – which is committed to the safe and just storage of nuclear waste.

Jill greatly values the beauty of our Earth and thus enjoys her travels, gardening, and hiking. Her children, grandchildren, and her appreciation for all living beings provide Jill with the stamina to persist in her work as a ‘guardian of the future’.