The Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) invites educators and the education community for this special one-day gathering, as we bring together two powerful approaches that invite us to learn from the Earth as both teacher and guide.
Talking Wings introduces us to eco-centric storytelling — sharing the voices of water, rivers, and ecosystems through art and circular conversations. Led by artist-organizers Blake Lavia and Tzintzun Aguilar-Izzo, Talking Wings challenges us to reimagine our relationship with the natural world, honoring the rights of Nature and all beings. Their work reminds us that to create just and thriving human communities, we must also nurture respect and reciprocity with the land and waters that sustain us.
Diversity Education in Nature (DEIN) will help us explore the question: What can nature teach us about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging? By paying close attention to nature, we develop skills that strengthen our ability to build communities of belonging. Ecological concepts such as interdependence, adaptation, and resilience offer us valuable lessons for practicing equity and honoring diversity in our human communities.
Together, these two programs invite us into dialogue, reflection, and shared learning, asking not only how we can care for the Earth, but also how the Earth can guide us in creating more inclusive, connected, and compassionate communities.
- What: Where Rivers, Forests, and Voices Meet: Co-Creating Justice Across Human and Ecological Communities
- When: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; coffee reception begins at 9:30 a.m.
- Where: The Wild Center, Tupper Lake, New York
- Cost: $50 with sliding scale*; registration includes coffee reception and lunch
*ANCA is committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the region and making our programs accessible for all. Please note alternative fee payment options during the registration process.
Meet Our Presenters
Dan Kriesberg has been a middle school science teacher and environmental educator for over 40 years at both public and independent school. He is the author of two books on outdoor environmental education, over 100 articles on environmental education, and essays about his outdoor experiences. Dan has presented at national and statewide conferences. He is also the co-creator of Diversity Education In Nature, an innovative series of workshops that uses wild nature as inspiration for building community and belonging. You can learn more about his work at Earth Wisdom.
Camille Simone Edwards is a school leader, people & culture strategist, and leadership coach committed to cultivating values-driven communities and transformative change. As Director of Student Affairs at Friends Academy—a Quaker independent school in Long Island—Camille Simone leads with clarity, empathy, and a deep commitment to student-centered development. She brings over a decade of experience in school leadership, community engagement, and organizational culture work. Camille Simone is also the founder and principal consultant of Camille Simone Consulting, where she partners with independent schools, universities, nonprofits, and cultural institutions to design strategic initiatives centered on equity, belonging, and sustainable leadership. Her work spans executive coaching, immersive retreats for people of color across organizational roles, and identity-conscious leadership development for young people and career professionals —always tailored to align with the mission and spirit of each organization. Guided by the belief that courage is a catalyst for personal and collective transformation, Camille Simone creates spaces where individuals can reconnect to their purpose, unlock their potential, and lead with authenticity. Her ethos is grounded in integrity, inclusion, and the transformative power of human connection.
Blake Lavia and Tzintzun Aguilar-Izzo (both they/them) are two community organizers and storymakers who helped found the nonprofit Talking Rivers, Inc., an organization that educates human communities about the Rights and Rites of Rivers and their ecosystems. In collaboration with Talking Rivers, they are currently working with humans across the Adirondack Watersheds to create ecocentric governance systems that meet Nature’s needs. The story-making duo also are part of the environmental storytelling group Talking Wings, with whom they have organized numerous conferences, curated in person and virtual art exhibitions, and produced visual storytelling pieces that share the voice of Land and Water.
Fall Virtual Events
Join the ADI team and our partners at Talking Wings and DEIN for two virtual sessions ahead of November 15 Where Rivers, Forests, and Voices Meet in-person event. These sessions are free, but registration is required:
- What: Talking Rivers Listening to Nature ToolKit – A Guide for Ecocentric Pluralistic Decision Making
- When: Wednesday, October 8, 6:00 PM
- Learn more & register
and:
- What: Using Nature Awareness Skills to Build Empathy and Belonging
- When: Wednesday, October 29, 6:00 PM
- Learn more & register
These events are hosted by the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, a program of ANCA.
Header image courtesy of Talking Rivers