Presentations
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An integral piece of Central Florida Earth Day are unique presentations, workshops, panels, and activities in the Presentations Tent. Come hear from an inspiring group of leaders and visionaries assembled to speak from diverse perspectives on a wide-range of issues facing our community, state, nation, and world.
The presentations are moderated by Shannon Blair of Solutionary Species. If you are interested in being a speaker at Earth Day, please fill out the Speaker Application. |
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10:30 a.m. Veganism: The Most Powerful Environmental Choice
The presentation highlights statistically the environmental damaged caused by the animal agriculture industry and the positive environmental impact of veganism. Animal agriculture is the leading cause of rainforest destruction, water pollution, species extinction, ocean dead zones, and more. Each day you are vegan, you save at least one animal life, 45 lbs. of grain, 30 square feet of forest, and 1,100 gallons of water.
Mike Sanabria is a representative of Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine, an international vegan restaurant franchise in 30 countries around the world. Currently, he is focused on international vegan and environmental education projects, with a primary goal of teaching people how and why to incorporate more vegan foods into their diet.
Mike Sanabria is a representative of Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine, an international vegan restaurant franchise in 30 countries around the world. Currently, he is focused on international vegan and environmental education projects, with a primary goal of teaching people how and why to incorporate more vegan foods into their diet.
11:00 a.m. Impacts of Constitutional and Charter Amendments
Speakers will discuss how the Earth is affected by constitutional and charter amendments, as well as society’s other land use decisions. Valerie Anderson, of Friends of Split Oak Forest, will talk about the fight to prevent a toll road from being built through Split Oak Forest. Kelly Semrad, Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad, will provide a local environmental policy update and how it may impact you and our natural resources. Mayra Uribe, Commissioner Mayra Uribe , will speak on the urgent need to protect and preserve Orange County’s lakes, waterways, and natural environments—ensuring they remain clean, safe, and thriving for future generations.
Valerie Anderson is the President of Friends of Split Oak Forest, the 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the protection of Split Oak Forest WEA. She has a BS in Horticulture from the University of Florida and a MSci in Geographic Information Science and Technology from University of Southern California. She has lived in Osceola County since 2012 and is a second-generation native Floridian. She's the Director of Communications and Programming for the Florida Native Plant Society.
Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad serves as the District 5 County Commissioner for Orange County, bringing a lifelong passion for environmental advocacy to her role. Formerly the vice chair of Save Orange County, she is dedicated to promoting smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and environmental protection. As a strong advocate for citizen-driven policies, she played a key role in the 2024 campaign for the Rural Boundary and Annexation Charter Amendments, helping to secure their passage and protect the region’s future.
Commissioner Mayra Uribe is a dedicated public servant and community leader committed to strengthening Orange County through environmental stewardship, community support, and cultural engagement. A passionate advocate for the preservation of local lakes and natural spaces, she has worked tirelessly to protect the resources that define and sustain the region. Throughout her service, Mayra has remained deeply involved in her community—supporting food initiatives for families in need, leading back-to-school efforts for local students, and consistently showing up for residents across her district. She is also a strong supporter of the arts, recognizing their vital role in building a vibrant and connected community.
Mayra is currently a candidate for Orange County Mayor, continuing her commitment to service, sustainability, and opportunity for all.
Valerie Anderson is the President of Friends of Split Oak Forest, the 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the protection of Split Oak Forest WEA. She has a BS in Horticulture from the University of Florida and a MSci in Geographic Information Science and Technology from University of Southern California. She has lived in Osceola County since 2012 and is a second-generation native Floridian. She's the Director of Communications and Programming for the Florida Native Plant Society.
Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad serves as the District 5 County Commissioner for Orange County, bringing a lifelong passion for environmental advocacy to her role. Formerly the vice chair of Save Orange County, she is dedicated to promoting smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and environmental protection. As a strong advocate for citizen-driven policies, she played a key role in the 2024 campaign for the Rural Boundary and Annexation Charter Amendments, helping to secure their passage and protect the region’s future.
Commissioner Mayra Uribe is a dedicated public servant and community leader committed to strengthening Orange County through environmental stewardship, community support, and cultural engagement. A passionate advocate for the preservation of local lakes and natural spaces, she has worked tirelessly to protect the resources that define and sustain the region. Throughout her service, Mayra has remained deeply involved in her community—supporting food initiatives for families in need, leading back-to-school efforts for local students, and consistently showing up for residents across her district. She is also a strong supporter of the arts, recognizing their vital role in building a vibrant and connected community.
Mayra is currently a candidate for Orange County Mayor, continuing her commitment to service, sustainability, and opportunity for all.
1:00 p.m.: How to Advocate for the Environment
Discussing ways environmentalists can advocate for their causes when dealing with the government. How climate change and politics impact our environment.
Anna Eskamani is a bold fighter for Florida families and everyday people. Born and raised in Orlando, she is the daughter of working class Iranian immigrants who came to this country in search of the American Dream. In 2018, she made history by flipping her legislative seat and becoming Florida's first Iranian-American legislative elected official. Anna went to public schools, the University of Central Florida, and is a nonprofit professional with her PhD in Public Administration. Also Anna is running to serve as Mayor of Orlando (www.annafororlando.com).
Carlos Guillermo Smith has been a trusted voice for our community in Tallahassee, serving in the Florida House from 2016 to 2022 before his election to the Florida Senate in November 2024, where he serves on the Environment and Natural Resources committee. In addition to being named Florida PTA Legislator of the Year, Carlos is a respected LGBTQ civil rights leader who has championed housing affordability, the expansion of Sunrail, preservation of our rural boundary, and funding for the arts.
Anna Eskamani is a bold fighter for Florida families and everyday people. Born and raised in Orlando, she is the daughter of working class Iranian immigrants who came to this country in search of the American Dream. In 2018, she made history by flipping her legislative seat and becoming Florida's first Iranian-American legislative elected official. Anna went to public schools, the University of Central Florida, and is a nonprofit professional with her PhD in Public Administration. Also Anna is running to serve as Mayor of Orlando (www.annafororlando.com).
Carlos Guillermo Smith has been a trusted voice for our community in Tallahassee, serving in the Florida House from 2016 to 2022 before his election to the Florida Senate in November 2024, where he serves on the Environment and Natural Resources committee. In addition to being named Florida PTA Legislator of the Year, Carlos is a respected LGBTQ civil rights leader who has championed housing affordability, the expansion of Sunrail, preservation of our rural boundary, and funding for the arts.
3:00 p.m. Protecting the Planet Through Compassion
This presentation will outline the climate benefits of making plant-based food choices and dispel some of the common misconceptions around the production of meat, dairy, and eggs. In particular, the impact of grazing will be addressed, as well as a comparison of local meat vs. less meat.
Join VeganEvan and Shannon Blair for a powerful Earth Day presentation exploring the environmental consequences of animal agriculture and the impact it has on our planet. From species extinction and habitat destruction to ocean dead zones and climate disruption, this talk will examine how our food system is driving some of the most serious ecological crises of our time. Most importantly, they will discuss a solution that is available to all of us right now: choosing a vegan lifestyle.
VeganEvan is a young activist and speaker who has been advocating for animals and the planet since childhood. Through educational talks, social media outreach, and community events, he inspires people--especially young people--to think critically about how their choices affect animals, the environment, and their own health. Shannon Blair is a longtime vegan activist, educator, and speaker dedicated to protecting animals, the planet, and public health.
Join VeganEvan and Shannon Blair for a powerful Earth Day presentation exploring the environmental consequences of animal agriculture and the impact it has on our planet. From species extinction and habitat destruction to ocean dead zones and climate disruption, this talk will examine how our food system is driving some of the most serious ecological crises of our time. Most importantly, they will discuss a solution that is available to all of us right now: choosing a vegan lifestyle.
VeganEvan is a young activist and speaker who has been advocating for animals and the planet since childhood. Through educational talks, social media outreach, and community events, he inspires people--especially young people--to think critically about how their choices affect animals, the environment, and their own health. Shannon Blair is a longtime vegan activist, educator, and speaker dedicated to protecting animals, the planet, and public health.
5:00 p.m. Know Your Rights While Protesting
Join the ACLU of Florida for our training. We'll discuss what you need to know to safely protest in your community or campus and what you should look out for. If you are new to protesting, a seasoned activist, or just looking to know more about Florida laws around protesting, this is the training for you.
The importance of uplifting the voices of marginalized and underrepresented groups in an effort to pursue change became a clear objective in what Katherine Perriel wanted to do with her life. After pursuing a degree in Social Work at FIU and working in case management a passion to create change at a macro level grew more and more obvious in her. Katherine’s passion for empowerment and creating change alongside her background in social services helped her to transition into becoming an organizer for the ACLU. While an organizer at the ACLU of Florida she has focused on providing Floridians with education, mobilizing people, and building power to achieve a fair and just Florida, where all people are free, equal under the law, and live with dignity.
Dr. Malila N. Robinson is a mom, and an intersectional, abolitionist vegan activist and researcher with a professional and academic career focused on advancing equity for underserved populations. Her work has appeared in several academic journals and books. She received a JD and a PhD in Educational Policy from Rutgers University, an EdS in Exceptional Education from The University of Florida, and an EdS in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Central Florida. Malila enjoys all things Star Wars, reading, rescuing and rehabbing animals, glitter, and dismantling systemic oppression.
The importance of uplifting the voices of marginalized and underrepresented groups in an effort to pursue change became a clear objective in what Katherine Perriel wanted to do with her life. After pursuing a degree in Social Work at FIU and working in case management a passion to create change at a macro level grew more and more obvious in her. Katherine’s passion for empowerment and creating change alongside her background in social services helped her to transition into becoming an organizer for the ACLU. While an organizer at the ACLU of Florida she has focused on providing Floridians with education, mobilizing people, and building power to achieve a fair and just Florida, where all people are free, equal under the law, and live with dignity.
Dr. Malila N. Robinson is a mom, and an intersectional, abolitionist vegan activist and researcher with a professional and academic career focused on advancing equity for underserved populations. Her work has appeared in several academic journals and books. She received a JD and a PhD in Educational Policy from Rutgers University, an EdS in Exceptional Education from The University of Florida, and an EdS in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Central Florida. Malila enjoys all things Star Wars, reading, rescuing and rehabbing animals, glitter, and dismantling systemic oppression.
