We rely on donations to expand our reach, deliver impactful environmental education programs, and empower communities to build a sustainable future.
Inspiring Change, Empowering Communities Through Environmental Education
Providing environmental education resources to tribal communities, educational institutions, and working professionals, fostering a sustainable future.
Our Vision
We aim to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders by providing high-quality education on critical environmental issues. Our work strengthens community involvement, helping to create informed, action-oriented individuals and sustainable career pathways in environmental science and policy.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality environmental education resources to tribal communities and educational institutions. We aim to foster a deep respect and understanding of environmental stewardship, inspiring current and future generations to engage in sustainable practices that honor tribal lands and cultural values.
Recent News
We’ve just received our IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status!
This means that your contributions are now tax-deductible. Thank you for your support in helping us fulfill our mission!
Get Involved with Us!
We are always looking for passionate individuals and tribal partners to help further our mission of environmental education and empowerment.
Announcing Our Advisory Board!
As of June 2025, we launched our official Advisory Board to guide the Environmental Education and Empowerment Initiative. We are excited to welcome our first members and are still inviting those passionate about tribal education, sustainability, and leadership to join us.
Contribute Educational Content
If you have expertise or resources that support environmental learning—whether you're a teacher, scientist, artist, or traditional knowledge holder—we’d love to collaborate!
Host or Partner With Us
Do you have access to a classroom, community building, school facility, or tribal college space? You can help us bring environmental education directly to your community by offering a location to host programs, workshops, or events.
Pilot a Program in Your School
We are now opening the door for tribal communities interested in hosting a pilot environmental education program in their K–12 schools. If your community or school would like to be one of our first pilot sites, we’d love to speak with you.
Support Through Donations
Your financial support helps us provide materials, travel, guest speakers, environmental kits, and more. Every contribution—small or large—directly supports tribal youth and environmental stewardship.
If you’re interested in joining our board, partnering as a host, donating, or piloting a program—please contact us today! We look forward to working with you.
Past or Upcoming Events
Attended the Tribal Environmental Health Forum 2025
Attended Spring 2025 Region 9 RTOC Meeting
Attending the Tribal Lands and Environment Forum 2025
Attending the National Brownfields Conference 2025
Future Engagement
Presence at conferences
In person trainings
Online learning
Join Us as a Partner
The Environmental Education and Empowerment Initiative (EEEI) welcomes partnerships with federal agencies, tribal programs, environmental firms, nonprofits, and corporate sponsors who share our mission of expanding access to environmental education in underserved communities—especially tribal communities.
We invite you to collaborate with us in areas such as:
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Environmental outreach and youth education
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Community-based training programs
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Workforce development and career exploration
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Content development, speakers, and educational resources
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Event sponsorships and donations to support our programs
Whether you're a government agency working to advance environmental justice, or a private firm seeking to give back through meaningful impact, we’d love to connect and explore how we can work together.
Interested in becoming a partner or sponsor?
Contact us at lilybermejoa@yahoo.com
About the Founder
Before founding the Environmental Education and Empowerment Initiative (EEEI), I worked for over 18 years in environmental protection — including 15 years in tribal government and 3 years with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
My journey in environmental education began even earlier, working with the Phoenix Zoo and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), where I developed and delivered hands-on programs for children, youth, and families. These early roles shaped my passion for combining science, education, and community engagement.
Throughout my career, I’ve presented at national conferences, tribal forums, local Arizona events, and educational institutions such as Arizona State University (ASU) and Scottsdale Community College (SCC). I’ve led Earth Day events, K–12 school presentations, and community workshops, often organizing them to directly engage tribal communities and raise environmental awareness.
Topics Presented:
Recycling and waste reduction
Air and water quality
Brownfields and land reuse
Illegal dumping and environmental enforcement
Stormwater runoff and urban pollution
Environmental health and contamination
Lead-based paint dangers in Indian Country
Environmental career pathways and job readiness
Forest, wildlife, and natural resource protection
These topics have guided my work throughout my career and now form the foundation of EEEI’s mission — to bring relevant, accessible, and empowering environmental education to underserved communities, especially in tribal settings.
Education
2012-2014
Master of Science in Environmental Management
Arizona State University
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Concentration: International Environmental Management
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Traveled to Peru as part of an international project, collaborating with the Peruvian Water Authority (ANA) to provide education and outreach on water resource management and community watershed awareness.
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Gained hands-on experience in international partnership development, community engagement, and delivering environmental education in cross-cultural settings.
2001-2005
Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration and Wildlife Habitat Management
Arizona State University
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Focused on restoration ecology, wildlife biology, and habitat conservation.
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Participated in field studies with the Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the U.S. Forest Service, assisting in:
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Vegetation monitoring and post-fire assessments
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Animal population counts, trapping, and tagging
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Analysis of illegal dumping impacts on local ecosystems
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Completed a capstone project on the Kyoto Protocol, examining international environmental agreements and their implications for U.S. environmental policy.
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Interned at the Phoenix Zoo and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), where I led environmental education programs focused on wildlife and conservation.
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Volunteered with the Arizona Humane Society, wildlife rescue organizations, and AZ Game & Fish, including work on desert tortoise data entry and public outreach.