Our Staff

Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light is powered by our faithful volunteers! Behind the scenes, we have a team of individuals who help ensure our operations run smoothly and that we further our reach in supporting congregations and people of faith throughout Pennsylvania in taking climate action. This group comprises a small team of part-time staff, active board members, and vibrant fellows. Learn more about our team below!

Katie Ruth

Pronouns: They, Them
Executive Director

 

Katie connects humans to the planet, each other, and themselves. As Executive Director at Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, they are responsible for supporting a volunteer board and small team of staff in cultivating a moral response to climate change that is interfaith, inclusive, and intentional. They hold an MA in Public Leadership, and a BA in Christian theology. Katie is focused on facilitating partnerships between individuals and institutions to promote social change and build community. They are passionate about peacemaking and justice, rooted in their deep connection to the environment. Their career spans a variety of experience in nonprofit administration, grassroots organizing and outreach, and faith-based community services. Katie is  involved in several community resilience projects including environmental organizing, safe shelter, and the arts. They are an avid reader, enjoy exploring new places, and are almost always found with a cup of tea in hand.

Renika Weimer

Pronouns: She, Her
Outreach & Advocacy Manager

 

Renika holds a BA in Political Science and International Studies from Susquehanna University. She enjoys reading, traveling, and drinking good coffee. She is passionate about interfaith engagement and has previously led interfaith dialogue on her college campus. Her studies have allowed her to develop an international political perspective on climate change. She has been doing grassroots outreach with PA IPL and is eager to get more involved in the interfaith response to climate change.

Ty Fowler

Pronouns: She, Her
SE Organizer & Outreach Coordinator

 

Ty is working towards a BA in Philosophy at Temple University. She has a passion for environmental advocacy and justice, and has more recently gained experience in the field as a co-coordinator for the student coalition, Temple Climate Action. She loves reading, skateboarding, going on walks, and creating art. She is excited to work with and learn from PA IPL!

Arielle Sternman

Pronouns: She, Her
Administrative & Communications Manager

 

Arielle joined us as a part-time administrator in July 2021, working behind-the-scenes to keep our data base current, our communications timely; and our events easy to navigate. Arielle has a degree in Media Studies from NYU and spent eight years teaching English as a Foreign Language in several countries before returning to the US and becoming the administrator of a trade organization in Philadelphia. She is excited to use what she has learned to support the mission and vital work of PA IPL.

Samantha Kline

Pronouns: She, Her
Administrative Assistant & Outreach Coordinator

 

Samantha has a BA in Environmental Studies and is working towards an MS in Environmental Earth Systems Management. She was a fellow with PA IPL in Spring 2023 and was able to educate the public on environmental issues. Her passions for mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability have allowed her to create a passion project and brand, Everything Eco, to further educate society on ways they can contribute to working towards a greener future. She enjoys going outside, being with animals, spending time with friends and family, and reading about environmental topics.

Ruth Douglas Miller

Pronouns: She, Her
Volunteer Creation Care Coordinator

 

Ruth grew up in Chester County, taught Electrical Engineering in Kansas for 28 years, and moved back “home” to Morgantown PA, in 2017. She worked with IPL in Kansas in connection with her teaching and outreach about solar and wind energy, and it was obvious to connect with PA IPL on her return to Pennsylvania. She and her husband have been gifted by the Creator to care for 65 acres of pasture and woodland, inherited from her husband’s grandfather, in southern Berks County. When not filling out Google forms and trying to email all of PAIPL’s long list of tree planters, she and her husband alternate killing invasive woodies and planting new trees, understory shrubs and native perennials in their own woods. They are members of New Holland Mennonite Church, and Ruth serves on the leadership team there.

Dana Scandura

Pronouns: She, Her
2024 Spring Fellow

 

Dana is a third-year student at Marywood University pursuing her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). She is excited to be participating in conservation focused action against climate change and believes we can all do something to ensure a great future for humanity and the Earth. Her community-focused activities include previous experience volunteering with the American Red Cross, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, and St. Joseph’s Center. She enjoys mentoring/tutoring her peers and has plans to train as a community health worker (CHW) through the PA Area Health Education Center’s (PA-AHEC) Scholars Program. Dana’s postgraduate path aligns with nonprofit and advocacy: she would like to serve with the National Health Corps (NHC) and work within underserved, rural communities in northeastern PA. Some of her hobbies include writing, taking walks, being a bookworm, and cooking her favorite meals.

Kiana Bozorgnia

Pronouns: She, Her
2024 Spring Fellow

 

Kiana is a student at Temple University studying Environmental Engineering. My passion for environmental advocacy comes from being born and raised in Tehran, Iran where the environmental conditions affect the health and daily life of its citizens. Currently I am one of the co-coordinators of Temple Climate Action, a fossil fuel divestment campaign at Temple. I am looking forward to learning from and supporting PA IPL’s mission!

Sparrow Starlight

Pronouns: They, Them
2024 Spring Fellow

 

Sparrow Starlight is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Communication, English, & Anthropology. They have a passion for community care, and have experience with organizing for environmental justice with Fossil Free Penn. They love to learn, especially about different kinds of justice, and building a better world. Their hobbies include reading, filmmaking, and taking care of their service dog, Skippy!

Abigail Thomas

Pronouns: She, Her
2024 Spring Fellow

 

Abi is a junior at West Chester University as an Urban & Environmental Planning major. Her love for organizing started at a young age, she enjoys talking to people about what change they want to see in the world and how they can accomplish it. Abi believes that there are many intersections within climate work that are extremely valuable and deserve to be represented and believes that PA IPL does just that. She loves to read theory, thrift with friends, work out and be involved on campus through clubs!

Hanina Hecker

Pronouns: He, Him
Intern

 

I have a deep passion for environmental advocacy and creative expression, and I’m thrilled to be interning at PAIPL this year. I believe that faith communities have immense potential to promote sustainable practices and address the current climate crisis. I’d love to see my own community go green one day! In the past, I’ve done volunteer work at the Riverbend Environmental Education Center and the Cynwyd Heritage trail. I’m also an avid reader, writer, and gardener, and constantly trying to incorporate the permaculture principles into my garden and life.

Note from Katie and the Board:

While our all-volunteer Board and chapter volunteers are both passionate and incredibly dedicated, PA IPL would benefit enormously from having a full-time Executive Director and full-time staff. Both Executive Director and all administrative/program staff are currently part-time positions.You can help us expand our team by making a donation to PA IPL today. Would you like to make a commitment to recurring donations, offer matching funds, or explore alternate giving options? Please reach out to our Executive Director to set up a time to talk.