Lonnie J. Portis is the New York City Policy and Advocacy Manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a community-based organization that has been working to advance environmental and climate justice since its founding in 1988. Lonnie leads the advocacy for WE ACT’s New York City policy initiatives and programs, working closely with members of Northern Manhattan’s communities, local elected officials and agencies, and various coalitions throughout the city. For example, Lonnie leads the New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning, helping to pass five bills that strengthen existing lead laws and expand protections for New Yorkers. He has a passion for ensuring that New Yorkers living in environmental justice communities are involved in the policymaking process from the beginning, and for helping these communities harness their political power for positive change. Prior to joining WE ACT, Lonnie served as a policy and management consultant, working with New York City councilmembers and City agencies on a variety of issues. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from the City College of New York and a Masters of Science degree in urban policy analysis and management from the New School. He is also the co-founder of Uptown Chats, New York’s first and most popular environmental justice podcast.