Team update: Joya Banerjee appointed as Head of US Programs

Waverley Street Foundation (WSF) announced the appointment of Joya Banerjee as the inaugural Head of US Programs. Waverley Street Foundation has a mission to cultivate a more healthy, just and joyful world where communities are key to unlocking climate solutions. Recognizing that the window of opportunity is now, Waverley Street Foundation is committed to spending down its endowment to grow deep and lasting change.

With more than fifteen years experience in environmental policy and philanthropic work, Banerjee brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position - especially relating to the challenges of the American West. Prior to joining WSF, Banerjee provided strategic counsel to a range of organizations working at the intersection of water, climate, and policy. She served as Program Director for the Environment at the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, a spend-down foundation that advanced climate-resilient solutions to California’s water and land use challenges.

Centering national efforts in California, Arizona and New Mexico, Waverley Street is supporting community-led initiatives that build energy resilience and promote sustainable farming practices, to create systemic change across US states and inspire climate action worldwide. Waverley Street focuses on these initiatives to strengthen core food and energy systems that provide economic and health benefits for communities while also reducing emissions, enhancing soil health, and boosting renewable energy solutions.

Jared Blumenfeld, Waverley Street Foundation’s President, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Joya to the Waverley team. Her creativity and philanthropic expertise will be crucial in helping us enact the kinds of bold, innovative ideas that are urgently needed to combat our climate crisis.”

“Our climate is a critical driver of community health and well being, and while climate change presents a significant challenge, we also see opportunity. When led by communities, climate solutions can increase economic mobility, improve air and water quality, revitalize our lands, and reverse injustice – all while reducing emissions,” said Banerjee. “It is a true honor to join the Waverley Street Foundation team, and I look forward to partnering with the many communities that are fighting for a better, more climate-resilient future.”

Banerjee earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.