Join us to celebrate the launch of Third Act Michigan!
About this event
Third Act Michigan is a group of elders united for clean, blue water and just, green energy. In this new political era, we remain resolute in our defense of democracy and climate justice. With thoughtful consideration and wisdom, we respond to threats and build community using sustainable practices. Please join us for our launch of Third Act Michigan as a partner for the future of all our children and grandchildren, and the planet we safeguard for them.
Denise Keele Ph.D., Executive Director, Michigan Climate Action Network
Having been a farmer, a forester, a grassroots organizer, a political scientist, and a professor, Denise Keele comes to her role as Executive Director of Michigan Climate Action Network with a holistic understanding of the need to reverse global warming rapidly. Denise received her doctorate in Environmental Politics from Syracuse University and was an Associate Professor of Political Science at Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her research and teaching focused on environmental policy and law—particularly, the use of the courts and interest groups to influence public policy.
At WMU, Denise chaired the interdisciplinary Climate Change Working Group from 2014-2022, bringing over one hundred faculty, students, and staff together to create and implement several academic and outreach programs, including a minor in climate change studies. She served on the Kalamazoo Township Climate Committee and the City of Kalamazoo Sustainability Committee, and as a Board of Trustee with the Kalamazoo Nature Center, led the development of a climate action plan with a carbon neutrality goal of 2035. From 2019-2022, she founded and led the grassroots Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition, coordinating more than 2000 members and 40 affiliate organizations to take collective action and address climate change.
Andrea Pierce, Network Manager, Michigan Environmental Justice Caucus
(she/her, we/us) is a Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) citizen. Andrea started as an in-the-streets activist where she partnered with Detroit Light Brigade and helped to create the Ann Arbor Light Brigade. She has organized many protests and rallies to SHUT DOWN LINE 5/NO TUNNEL across Michigan. She was a co-organizer of the Pipe Out Paddle Up Flotilla for 5 years.
She is the Chair and co-founder of the Anishinaabek Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP). The caucus would love to support Native American candidates that support traditional and cultural values of our people in their respective races. She is Precinct Delegate in Ypsilanti Michigan, where she lives and was elected to the State Central Committee of the MDP. She was also elected as a DNC Bernie Delegate in the 2020 elections.
In 2022, Andrea was awarded Clean Water Action’s Great Lakes Advocate of the Year.
