2024 Changemakers

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Maryland LCV’s celebration of environmental leaders in Maryland on Thursday, September 26th, 2024 at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center at The University of Maryland College Park.

Together, we honored Marylanders who have demonstrated vision, leadership, and courage in protecting clean water, healthy air, and resilient communities and celebrated with delicious appetizers and beverages at the most prominent environmental event in Maryland. It was a night to remember!

See all 2024 Changemakers event photos here.

Level I

• District 11 Team, Baltimore County: Senator Shelly L. Hettlemen, Delegate Cheryl E. Pasteur (11A), Delegate Jon S. Cardin (11B), & Delegate Dana M. Stein (11B)
• District 15 Team, Montgomery County: Senator Brian Feldman, Delegates Linda Foley, David Fraser-Hidalgo, and Lily Qi
• District 19 Team, Montgomery County: Senator Ben Kramer
• District 21 Team, Prince George’s County: Senator Jim Rosapepe, Delegate Ben Barnes, Delegate Mary Lehman, Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk

Level II

• Senator Ben Brooks, District 10, Baltimore County
• Senator Sara Love, District 16, Montgomery County
• Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, District 20, Montgomery County

On September 26, 2024, Maryland LCV presented environmental leadership awards honoring Marylanders who have demonstrated vision, leadership, and courage in protecting clean water, healthy air, and climate-resilient communities.

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin was honored as the John V. Kabler Environmental Leadership Award recipient for his career-long dedication to climate and conservation issues. As a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Cardin has been a tireless advocate for Maryland’s environment, from the Chesapeake Bay to the state’s forests and waterways. His leadership on issues such as climate change, water infrastructure, and agricultural pollution reduction has been instrumental in protecting Maryland’s natural treasures and addressing the urgent environmental challenges facing our state and nation. Senator Cardin provided acceptance remarks to the Changemakers 2024 audience and had his photograph taken with family members of the late John Kabler in attendance. 

Maryland Senator (fmr. Delegate) Sara Love (District 16) and U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth (fmr. Maryland Senator, District 30) were honored as Maryland LCV’s 2024 Legislators of the Year for their pivotal roles in passing statewide environmental legislation. This award, established in 2012, recognizes environmental champions from the most recent legislative session based on their leadership and commitment to promoting and passing equitable laws and policies for clean water, healthy air, and climate resilient communities.

Special Honoree

Maryland Governor Moore issued a citation recognizing the 10th anniversary of Maryland LCV’s Chispa Maryland program. Meghan Conklin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Executive Office of Governor Wes Moore, provided celebratory remarks and presented the citation to our Chispa Maryland team at Changemakers 2024.

Chispa, meaning “spark” in Spanish, has been igniting positive change in Latino communities across Maryland for a decade. Since its launch in 2014, Chispa Maryland has become a powerful force for environmental justice, community empowerment, and civic engagement. Through its innovative Promotorés program, Chispa has trained and mobilized hundreds of Latino grassroots leaders, activists, and volunteers who have become the voice of their communities on critical environmental issues.

Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble moderated a panel discussion among three distinguished guests with international, national and regional experience around climate solutions.