Bring your climate justice goals to fruition
Collaborate with a multi-faceted, experienced, and thoughtful partner
Equity and inclusion are part of everything I do.
Marcella Keenan Corona (she/they/elle)
Founder and Principal Advisor, Corona
I’m a native Chicagoan and proud Latine whose family’s health has been personally impacted by polluted neighborhood conditions.
I grew up seeing first hand the conditions that make a neighborhood healthy and sustainable (or not). What I learned? It’s about the natural environment—and so much more.
My curiosity led me to a career as an environmental scientist, urban planner, and educator, motivated to develop climate solutions for the communities I care about. For over 20 years, I’ve worked in diverse contexts, including local government, the business and nonprofit sectors, and academia, advancing climate justice by infusing programs and policies with equity and inclusion.
I place the highest value on the lived expertise and creativity of community members, particularly those most marginalized and least represented in dominant systems and institutions. In my work, it’s always a priority to ask for (and compensate for!) this expertise directly, weaving community knowledge into the final outcomes.
My mission is to amplify the voices of those who have been unheard—to shift power and create accountability.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the power of aligning environmental justice work with those working toward other social goals from a different angle, connecting the dots on solutions that support multiple concerns simultaneously. This work is intersectional—with powerful potential when we team up.
I’m driven to apply my talents to organizations like yours and make your vision a reality.
To learn more about the services I offer, go to the Approach page.
“I was impressed by Marcella’s commitment to environmental conservation. I thought her plan was actionable, with clear goals and suggestions for partners.
And she included different stakeholders, with the engagement of condo owners, homeowners, renters—she really made sure she engaged all types of people.”
Elizabeth Chadri, Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
A window into my work
Professional Timeline
Environmental Scientist (2003–2008)
Project Scientist (2008–2013)
Instructor, Environmental Science (2010–2011)
Energy Policy Fellow(2014–2015)
Director, Climate Planning and Programs (2015–2021)
Guest Professor (2019–2020)
Chief Sustainability Officer (2021–2023)
Climate Justice and Environmental Sustainability Advisor (2024 to the present)
See my LinkedIn profile for additional details.
Articles, Videos, and Awards
“New Data Reveals Hidden Flood Risk Across America” (New York Times, 6/29/20)
“How Much Do You Really Know About Your Flood Or Wildfire Risk?” and “Most Tenants Get No Information About Flooding. It Can Cost Them Dearly” (NPR, October 2020)
“Planning for Equity.” APA-Illinois live event (CAN-TV, 10/12/17)
“Creative Placemaking for Equity” Video (American Planning Association, Mar 22, 2021)
“Climate Ready Oak Park Wins CMAP Excellence Award” Video (Village of Oak Park, 2023)
See my YouTube channel for more climate-related video content.
“Marcella helps you understand that you have the capacity to solve problems—you just need to think in different ways. It’s not like she tells you the answers. She helps you uncover the answers.”
Olga Bautista, Co-Executive Director, Southeast Environmental Task Force
Partners
I’m building a fierce community of values-aligned ecofem climate consultants and allies. We complement each other with diverse areas of expertise and lived experience—and we look for opportunities to combine our talents and have a bigger impact.
Does this sound like you? If so, please reach out.
