On Thursday, November 21st at 3pm, a white van turned into Amy’s Drive Thru in Corte Madera, California carrying precious cargo: seven of the fourteen PGC 2024 Finalists. Moments later, several of the international finalists — who hail from seven nations around the world — pulled in as well. Just like that, as it does every year, the magic of the PGC Finals began over delicious, organic, climate-friendly, 100% vegetarian burgers, fries, and milkshakes. As the day went on and I watched these incredible humans, each of whom had completed an admirable journey through the 30 days of PGC, trade stories and experiences and start building what may well be lifelong relationships, my heart swelled with profound gratitude and honor to be returning as a mentor for the PGC Finals for my second year.
There is a magic that happens during the PGC Finals, powered by mutual passion, deep care, and a commitment to a cleaner and more just future. It’s this vibrant energy that carries us through the weekend and onward into the next five months of Climate Action Project development and implementation. It starts with the inspirational group of student changemakers that are selected as PGC Finalists each year, out of thousands of high school, college and graduate students from around the world. This year, we had students from Peru, Mexico, Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Iran, and across the United States as finalists (out of 181 countries participating!), each bringing their unique wisdom and lived experience to fuel their passion to heal the planet.
Our first full day of programming — which is largely out in nature — happened to take place during an intense atmospheric river, but our finalists embraced the weather with ponchos and umbrellas. They witnessed the beauty of the redwood trees at Samuel P. Taylor State Park and bravely trekked out to Muir Beach, albeit only briefly after the wind proved to be quite intense. It was such fun to watch them bond over our crazy traditions at Turning Green, where we weather any storm for a picture to uphold them and capture annual memories! Luckily, a delicious organic lunch from Good Earth Natural Foods and dry socks (also organic!) were waiting for them at their next stop, the Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model, as well as a guided tour of the facility. The most special moment was when the 14th finalist, Godfred, finally arrived from Ghana amid the tour, and every finalist came to give him a huge hug and welcomed him to the TG family.
After a full day of adventures around the Bay Area, on Saturday morning, our 14 finalists arrived at their home base for the weekend, Cove School, where they were welcomed by the Turning Green team and a yummy FLOSN breakfast. The rest of the morning featured five esteemed speakers and a Conscious Kitchen Panel, each sharing their climate journey and wisdom for navigating the path ahead. The finalists eagerly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and sparking meaningful discussions in small breakout groups. At my table, Kate Wright (Executive Director Climate Mayors) and Debbie Raphael (Environmental Strategy Consultant) led a powerful conversation about purpose, vulnerability, and future aspirations—a deeply empowering experience for all. Our speakers also wanted to learn more about these amazing changemakers and to hear their stories. As a young person, being asked to share my story to someone much wiser and more accomplished in their career is daunting, but also hugely empowering!
In the afternoon, everyone made their way to the Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley, where Culinary Director Jennifer Sherman graciously welcomed us. After a quick introduction, she took us on a tour of the beautiful farm, pointing out edible flowers and bright, juicy tomatoes to munch on, encouraging everyone to engage all five senses in this vibrant space. Then, students started on their first task of the evening: to create a beautiful centerpiece from the garden that would be featured on their table for the evening. Each team was filled with delight as they collaborated to design their masterpiece. I loved watching their creativity come alive with nature’s inspiration.
Once the centerpieces were completed, each team began working on their assigned recipe. Over the next couple of hours, I watched as our finalists connected even more deeply over this shared experience of cooking a meal together. They learned about each other’s backgrounds and cultures, what home looks and tastes like, and their favorite nourishing meal. This evening was a turning point for the cohort, a moment of deeper connectivity and bonding, warmth, laughter, collaboration, and meaningful conversation. Everyone left with full bellies and hearts, prepared for the day ahead, yet not ready for it to be the last with these incredible people they already call friends.
Gabriela and PGC 2024 Finalist Janet at the Golden Gate Bridge
Sunday is fully focused on Climate Action Projects (CAPs). For breakfast, our mentors and ambassadors joined us and settled in before each team set off for a few hours of focused, collaborative work. Finalists use this time to receive feedback on their presentations and review CAPs with their mentor and ambassador. I watched each finalist light up as they shared their passion project with the team that will help that project come to fruition. Finalist nerves were evident as the afternoon approached and they printed scripts and practiced a few more times.
At 3pm, our first finalist took the stage — and for the next three hours, I was blown away by the passion, drive, strength, love, and commitment that these students demonstrated as they shared with us their journeys through PGC and ongoing CAP. Each presentation was so creative and beautifully presented, telling a compelling story of discovery, growth, and transformation. The presentations were incredibly moving, as was the way that finalists cheered for and supported one another through this vulnerable and nerve-wracking moment. Everyone ran to embrace the student coming off stage to congratulate them on an incredible performance, and clapped with encouragement for those shaking with nerves, as a reminder that everyone in that room was a support system. It was incredibly uplifting and inspiring. And after the 14 presentations and deliberation period, when the judges returned from their deliberation and announced that everyone would receive an honorarium of $400, cries of joy, relief, and pride rang across the room.
Later that evening, we all celebrated this incredible group of young leaders with locally-sourced fabulous pizza and salad at Tamalpie in Mill Valley! I watched the finalists talk and laugh like old friends, even though they had only really known each other for four days (and across digital platforms in October!). I felt deep gratitude to be part of their journey and of Turning Green, where we get to play a part in empowering these activists to drive lasting change in their communities.
