In this timely conversation, Working Families Party National Press Secretary Ravi Mangla and Bard MBA in Sustainability candidate Jackson Thompson join us to explore the intersection of political communication and climate action in the wake of the 2024 presidential election. Mangla shares insights on effective climate messaging for working communities, the importance of local organizing, and strategies for combating misinformation through authentic community engagement. The discussion delves into how progressive organizations can better connect with working-class voters, the power of fusion voting, and practical steps for civic engagement.
Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2024 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes brought the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!
Ravi Mangla:
Ravi Mangla is the National Press Secretary for the New York Working Families Party. Before joining the WFP, he worked as a media strategist for The Justice Collaborative and political trainer for Citizen Action of New York. He has worked on campaigns to end money bail, strengthen tenant protections, and reform campaign finance laws. He's written on narrative strategy and social justice issues for Jacobin, The Nation, Common Dreams, and the Institute for Policy Studies.
Jackson Thompson:
Jackson Thompson is an experienced Business Development and Partnerships Professional with a strong background in strategy, client engagement, and sustainable growth. With over a decade of expertise spanning consulting, media, and entertainment, I specialize in driving business value through tailored strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and data-driven insights.
His work with companies like CBS Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery has refined my skills in optimizing operations, managing complex projects, and fostering relationships with key partners. As a current MBA candidate in Sustainability at Bard College, he brings a unique perspective on advancing environmentally conscious business solutions that maximize profitability and client satisfaction.
Renay Loper:
Renay is a Clinical Faculty in Organizational Leadership for the Bard MBA in Sustainability, where she focuses on JEDI Transformation in the workplace. Previously, she was the Vice President of Program Innovation at PYXERA Global where she served on the Executive Leadership Team, led five country offices, drove the development of new business and programs, co-led the organization's work on inclusive circular cities, and advised corporate clients on their social impact strategies. Renay also led the organization’s ARC (Antiracist Collective) initiatives, which included internal and external efforts toward dismantling unjust systems. To this end, Renay created Rhetoric to Action, a series of conversations to bridge sectors toward collective action around social and racial justice.
Prior to PYXERA Global, Renay led the grassroots exchange and education grant portfolio at the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, and has served in a variety of leadership roles in higher education, nonprofit, and business prior to that. Renay is an avid speaker and facilitator, has authored and edited numerous publications, including a resource journal, Student Affairs Professionals Cultivating Campus Climates Inclusive of International Students (Jossey Bass). Renay serves on the board of directors of nonprofits including Community Change, Harpswell Foundation, and Girl Rising.