MILWAUKEE — The 6th annual African American Environmental Pioneer Awards will take place this Monday, Feb. 24, at the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center.

One of this year's award recipients is Olivia Raasch, who doesn’t take this honor lightly.

The 6th annual African American Environmental Pioneer Awards will take place this Monday, February 24th at the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center. One of this year's award recipients is Olivia Raasch, who doesn’t take this honor lightly. (Spectrum News 1/Phillip Boudreaux)

“When I was growing up, I didn’t see a lot of people that looked like me in the environmental field, and that’s what really drives my work. So receiving this award means a lot to me. Just knowing that I am being a representative in my community,” she said.

Raasch is the green career pathways manager at the Urban Ecology Center. As part of the job, she connects teens and young adults to internships that could lead to full-time jobs in environmental fields.

“I was in the program in high school, and it completely changed my life and really helped me realize the work I wanted, so now to be able to give that back and work with the next generations of environmental leaders and pioneers is really awesome work,” she said. “Some of my students that I work with are going to be helping with the event, so they get to see me receive the award and I think that’s going to be really special for me to have them in attendance.”

Kevin Patterson is also a recipient of a 2025 environmental pioneer award. As a public engagement specialist for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), he works to share the importance of water conservation with community members. (Spectrum News 1/Phillip Boudreaux)

Kevin Patterson is also a recipient of a 2025 environmental pioneer award. As a public engagement specialist for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), he works to share the importance of water conservation with community members.

“The environment has been a passion of mine since I was a kid," he said. "I always wanted to do something with water. I didn’t think I would be in wastewater, to be honest, but I applied and fell in love with it, and it’s all about protecting the environment.”

Patterson said he doesn’t do the job for awards but is thankful this type of recognition exists in the Black community.

“I think it’s great just to have that representation, and for others in the younger generation to see that, 'I could be in that same spot,’” he said.

Two young leaders dedicated to inspiring others to become stewards of the environment.

For more information on the other recipients, click here.