ClimateWorks Foundation Adds New JEDI Advisors

SAN FRANCISCO – June 5, 2024—ClimateWorks Foundation, a leading global platform for climate philanthropy, today announced Irene Karani and Avi Mahaningtyas have joined its team of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) advisors. ClimateWorks JEDI Advisors have deep roots in the climate and environmental justice space, whose work centers on equitable and just outcomes for BIPOC and frontline communities across the globe. 

“Our JEDI advisors are vital thought partners for shaping how we center justice and equity into everything we do at ClimateWorks,” said Makeeba Browne, chief of equity, justice, and culture at ClimateWorks Foundation. “We are excited to welcome Irene and Avi, who join ClimateWorks at a pivotal time as we expand our support for people-centered strategies, explore climate adaptation, and update our organizational strategy through 2030.”

Based in Kenya, Irene Karani has 30 years of experience in natural resource management, rural livelihoods, and climate adaptation and mitigation throughout Africa. Irene is a special adviser on agriculture, adaptation, and resilience for the African Climate Foundation and is pursuing her PH.D in social capital and urban resilience.

“While inequality and injustice are prevalent globally in development sectors, climate impacts have only amplified existing vulnerabilities,” said Irene Karani. “Therefore, doubling down on our efforts to reduce the rising inequalities and divide between nations and communities because of climate impacts should not be an option, but an obligation if we are to be counted on the right side of history.”

Avi Mahaningtyas has dedicated 30 years to working in Indonesia’s non-government sector, focusing on climate change, environmental policy and practice, community business development, gender equality, Indigenous peoples’ rights, inclusivity, and governance reform. Avi is a fellow of the Samdhana Institute, which supports community-based natural resource management, social transformation, and cultural revival in Southeast Asia. 

“Youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples are often marginalised from efforts to address climate change. Solutions to address the climate crisis must involve these groups. It is crucial for philanthropy organizations like ClimateWorks to take leadership on this issue and collaborate with these actors. I am honored to work with Kumi, Irene, Richard, and the committed ClimateWorks team to support inclusive action on climate change,” said Avi Mahaningtyas.

ClimateWorks established the JEDI advisor program in 2021 to strengthen its justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion practices. Through consultative meetings, planning exercises, and implementation pathways, JEDI Advisors help ClimateWorks to embed JEDI principles in its grantmaking, convening, and data and analytics. Karani and Mahaningtyas join current advisors Dr. Kumi Naidoo and Richard Woo. 

“As the world plunges deeper into the climate crisis, it’s more critical than ever to ensure that climate action is rooted in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Kumi Naidoo. “ClimateWorks has made great progress, and I am excited to collaborate with Avi, Irene, and Richard as the organization continues to build on this momentum. In supporting this work, I hope to help ClimateWorks be as global as the challenges we face and inspire similar courage across the philanthropic sector.”

Richard Woo added, “I am heartened by ClimateWorks Foundation’s commitment to pursue the centering of justice and equity in its strategies and practices. This 360-degree effort reaches across the board of directors, executive leadership, staff, fellow funders, and grantee partners. The culture-changing process within the Foundation is both challenging and well underway.  With the support of the JEDI Advisors team it is accelerating and deepening.”

About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is a global platform for philanthropy to innovate and scale high-impact climate solutions that benefit people and the planet. We deliver global programs and services that equip philanthropy with the knowledge, networks, and solutions to drive climate progress for a more sustainable and equitable future. Since 2008, ClimateWorks has granted over $1.8 billion to more than 850 grantees in over 50 countries.