We were honored to welcome Tarshire Battle, Executive Director of Roots 2Empower, as the 2024 keynote speaker to present on the theme, “Rooted in Resilience: Centering Community in Land & Water Conservation.” Through her keynote address, Tarshire shared a wealth of insights and experiences, highlighting the important role that economic empowerment and social justice play in the future of the land and water conservation in Rhode Island. Roots 2Empower was founded in 2019, to support people of color as they break the cycle of mass incarceration through economic empowerment and connection to the earth. The keynote presentation explored how Roots 2Empower connects individuals to green spaces and green jobs, provides tools for financial empowerment, and advances environmental justice in Rhode Island and beyond. It focused on envisioning a Rhode Island where families can thrive without the systemic barriers of poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, and incarceration. In addition to founding Roots 2Empower, Tarshire is the Director of Special Projects for the Southside Community Land Trust. Learn more about Tarshire and her work here.