Alicia White is an award-winning social innovator and visionary leader, widely recognized for her trailblazing work as a climate change advocate, environmental activist, change-maker, and entrepreneur.
With a deep commitment to creating lasting change, she has dedicated her career to tackling some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
As the founder of Project Petals, Alicia has built an award-winning nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing climate action, fostering community resilience, advocating for policy change, and promoting environmental sustainability. Under her leadership, Project Petals has become one of the few organizations in the United States to gain accreditation for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Her work has garnered widespread support for her innovative programs that address climate change and engage communities in meaningful, collaborative efforts to protect the planet for future generations.
In 2023, Alicia founded Blue SKYie, a dynamic climate company dedicated to advancing sustainable and environmental innovation. Through Blue SKYie, Alicia is developing innovative solutions that prioritize environmental health while promoting long-term sustainability in business, government, and industry. Her work continues to bridge the gap between climate science, technology, and real-world impact, positioning Blue SKYie as a leader in driving the green economy forward.
Throughout her career, Alicia has remained steadfast in her mission to build a more sustainable and equitable future. With a decade of experience leading climate resilience projects, environmental equity initiatives, and implementing grassroots-based climate solutions, Alicia has emerged as a formidable leader in the fight for climate and environmental justice. Her work has empowered individuals, governments, corporations, and communities around the world to work together to create healthy environments and improve BIPOC and other under-resourced communities.
Alicia's interest in environmental work was sparked when she saw the potential of an abandoned lot on her daily commute in her Queens, New York neighborhood. Having witnessed the stark disparity in resources and opportunities between Queens and other boroughs, Alicia grew determined to turn her frustration into transformative action. She transformed what is now known as Railroad Park into one of NYC's largest environmental conservation projects, now named Gwen Ifill Park. Alicia then founded Project Petals, a New York City-based nonprofit that mobilizes communities to take on environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and policy change. Alicia then created the Project Petals Builders Program, a climate and environmental leadership program to train the current and next generation of leaders. Running a leadership and educational program for youth and adult environmental and community leaders from New York to Uganda. She went on to advocate for policy change and serve on the coalition and committee of the Environmental Bond Act of New York, the largest environmental act to be passed in New York history at $4.20 billion.
Alicia expanded her fight for climate and environmental justice globally. She holds the distinction of being the only Black woman in the United States to receive accreditation from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Her membership in both the United Nations Major Group for Youth and Children and the United Nations Habitat Civil Society Working Group further underscores her international impact. Alicia's work has not only garnered global and national media attention but also inspired others to join the fight for climate and environmental justice. She has been featured in prominent outlets such as ABC, NBC, Women's Health, The Kelly Clarkson Show, People Magazine, The Drew Barrymore Show, Vogue International, and the Discovery Channel.
Alicia's exceptional contributions have been recognized with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and the White House. This award recognizes her dedication, leadership, and impactful work in founding Project Petals, an environmental and climate service organization. She has received numerous accolades including the NBA New York Knicks' City Award, MLB Yankees Hero Award, New York City Mayoral Service Honor Award, State Farm's Community Award, and Discovery Channel's "Inspire a Difference" Award. Her efforts have earned her numerous awards and recognition as a trailblazer in the fields of environmental justice, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. Alicia has received numerous prestigious awards and recognition, including being named one of Estee Lauder & Hillary Clinton's Vital Voices Top 100 Global Women Leaders, one of the Huffington Post's 99 Limit-Breaking Female Founders, and an ABC News Hidden Hero. She was also featured as NY1 News' "New Yorker of the Week," included in People magazine's Resiliency Rising Amazing People list, and appeared in a 2023 Super Bowl commercial alongside fellow change-makers.
In addition to Alicia's impactful work in climate and environmental advocacy, she leads transformative initiatives that drive systemic change, inspire global collaboration, and empower underrepresented communities to take action for a sustainable future. She advises major brands on how to increase their social impact, leveraging her expertise to guide them toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Alicia is a distinguished global speaker; she has presented at the United Nations for accessibility in cities and led panel discussions at prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, Columbia Business School, the Public Relations Society of America Government section, and the Paris Women's Forum.