Sophie is a biologist, passionate about human, environmental, and animal rights. She was raised fighting for social and environmental equity through the multicultural lens of her Jewish-American mother and Kurdish-Israeli immigrant father. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she fell in love with New Orleans while studying Environmental Science, International Development, and Philosophy at Tulane University. There, she conducted her own study on cannibalism and behavior of blue crabs, as well as co-leading the effort to make Tulane a Fair Trade Certified campus. A few initiatives she has worked on while at AAE include the NOLA Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), Gulf South for a Green New Deal, USCAN's Vision for Equitable Climate Action (VECA), and an air monitoring initiative along Death Alley. Most rewarding, though, has been her work with AAE's interns and community members.

Yvonne is a long-time Alliance ally, she began as an intern after graduating from Loyola university, and is now the Clean Energy Grid Organizer. Yvonne grew up in New Orleans, but has deep family roots in Vermillion parish. Yvonne was raised in a cajun-creole francophone home, which had a profound impact on her desire to work for equitable energy in the gulf south. The importance of preserving her cultural heritage, language and physical environment sparked her interest in energy policy and equity.

​Yvonne brings a unique perspective, as she has worked as a french educator in public schools in New Orleans and abroad, spent 5 years working in the Louisiana tourism sector, and has also spent several years working in local non-profits. During her down time Yvonne enjoys dancing, cajun food, travel, cycling, and discussing Louisiana history. Yvonne is thrilled to once again be a part of the AAE team.