EWG Changemakers
From enshrining public health through legislation in Sacramento to inspiring action through powerful storytelling in Hollywood, EWG's 2024 Changemakers are championing change in California, across the country, and beyond.
Awardees
Debbie Levin is considered one of the most influential people in the environmental movement and entertainment industry. Since taking over the organization in 2000, she has harnessed the power of the media and entertainment communities to pioneer a high-impact model of social activism, using storytelling and message development to drive awareness into action. In over 24 years as the CEO of EMA, Levin has expanded the organization to serve as a leading tool to connect industries, brands, influencers and entrepreneurs to collaborate, advocate and drive action. Under her leadership, EMA has been responsible for some of the green movement’s most public and pivotal milestones, including 23 years of working with Toyota and Lexus. The EMA team hosts two annual events: the EMA Impact Summit and the EMA Awards & Honors Benefit Gala. Both leverage the power of storytelling to educate and raise awareness around global sustainability.
First elected to the California State Assembly in November 2016, Laura Friedman represents the 44th Assembly district. Friedman’s legislative work is focused on three primary areas: addressing the housing affordability and homelessness crisis, combating climate change, and protecting vulnerable communities. Long recognized as a steadfast advocate for the environment, sustainable communities and active transportation, Friedman served as the chair of the Assembly Committee on Transportation from 2020 through 2023. Her time as chair marked a shift toward forward-thinking policies, such as investing in mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, zero-emission vehicles, road safety and sustainability.
Jesse Gabriel proudly represents the San Fernando Valley in the California State Assembly. As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, he works closely with legislative leadership and the governor to craft the state budget, advance key policy priorities and oversee hundreds of billions of dollars in state spending. Recognized as a “California Influencer” by the Sacramento Bee, Gabriel has authored more than 30 new laws and has been a champion for children, working families, small businesses, reproductive freedom, gun safety and the environment.
Assemblymember Chris Holden brings to the legislature a lifetime of experience in public service. He was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2012 from a district that stretches from Pasadena in the West to Upland in the East. Holden served almost 24 years as a Pasadena city council member and mayor. He was the youngest city council member at age 28 and only the second African American to serve as mayor. For over 30 years, Holden has been a champion in creating jobs, preserving resources for disadvantaged communities, strengthening the economic vitality of the San Gabriel Valley and expanding the Gold Line.
California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi represents the 66th Assembly District, in the Los Angeles South Bay and Harbor Area. A champion for public education, Muratsuchi serves as chair of the Assembly Education Committee and previously served as chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Funding. He is also fighting climate change as former chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies, authoring landmark legislation for California to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2045. Muratsuchi has written laws to fight for education, jobs and the economy, clean energy and environmental justice, public safety, veterans and small businesses. He has helped deliver billions in funding for California public schools and for universal high-speed internet access in order to close the digital divide.
Event Highlights
