Tatjana Rebelle Earns Best of Green Schools Award

Awards Spotlight Organizations and Individuals Dedicated to Sustainability in Schools 

Tatjana Rebelle, Earth Charter Indiana’s Director of Equitable Initiatives, has been named a 2024 Best of Green Schools Ambassador recipient, presented by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Schools National Network. The awards celebrate the hard work of people, schools, campuses and organizations to push the green school movement forward. 

Tatjana has dedicated their career to food equity, environmental justice, and youth empowerment. Through the Indiana Thriving Schools Challenge, they distributed funding to schools all across Indiana that allowed hundreds of students to realize their school sustainability dreams. The majority of these students identify as B. I. P. o. C. and qualify for free and reduced meals at school, which is a testament to Tatjana’s commitment to equity.

“The 2024 Best of Green Schools honorees are incredible individuals and organizations who are doing the extraordinary work of preparing our schools and students to adapt to and meet our climate challenges,” said Anisa Heming, director at the Center for Green Schools. “We hope that their work inspires others to join the green schools movement. There are so many schools, districts, educators and volunteers who are central to the work that we do and share our vision of healthier and more sustainable learning environments for all students.” 

This year’s awardees represent thought leaders and practitioners who are at the forefront of creating sustainable learning environments and opportunities for children across this nation,” said Jennifer Seydel, executive director at the Green Schools National Network. “Their commitment to educating for sustainability is reflected in their commitment to what children learn, where children learn, and how children learn matters in our efforts to create a sustainable and just future for all."

The Center for Green Schools and Green Schools National Network received hundreds of nominations of individuals and organizations that have made an impact in advancing green schools in 2023. The 2024 recipients of the Best of Green Schools Award were announced during the Green Schools Conference in Santa Fe, N.M.