The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm will host Isaias Hernandez, an environmental educator and creator of QueerBrownVegan media platform, for a lecture from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 in the Metzger classroom at 102 Animal, Veterinary and Biomedical Science Building. The event is free and open to the public. 

Hernandez will share perspectives on how ethical food systems may be designed. The talk will also address strategies to transform problem identification into solutions-based writing and activism. 

Hernandez is a Gen Z environmental justice educator and activist with years of experience in intersectional environmental work. He works with businesses, institutions and organizations to amplify and empower their environmental missions. Hernandez is well-known in his field under the social moniker, QueerBrownVegan, his independent media platform with a global audience of over 100,000 followers. 

This educational mission coincides with the goals of the Ross Student Farm, which includes staying rooted in community by seeking local solutions to food system issues. The event is being organized by Emily Romberger, a Recreation, Park and Tourism Management student completing a for-credit internship with the farm. 

“The rise of social media activism among our generation has demonstrated how we can increase access to education,” Romberger said. “Eco-educators like Isaias are building online communities that are infused with hope for our future. I think that inspiration and momentum created in online communities can be transferred offline and guide our approach to climate action.”  

Penn State students are also invited to a more intimate Q&A with Hernandez on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Student Farm Club weekly meeting, which will occur at 6 p.m. in 215 Armsby.  

“Finding joy and resilience are essential in addressing the climate crisis,” Romberger said. “I hope that Isaias’s messages around intersectional environmentalism as a Gen Z creator will resonate with students and inspire community-driven action within and beyond the Penn State community.”