Every morning, Josefina Gerónimo checks the weather and air quality on the AirNow app before starting her day. This habit is no coincidence: it's the result of living with forest fires and other impacts of climate change. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Josefina moved to South Lake Tahoe, California, in 1990, a quiet community that, over time, transformed into a busy tourist destination. But that growth has also brought more frequent wildfires and air pollution. Smoke-filled skies and the constant threat of evacuations make life there untenable.
“As time went on, my parents and I started to notice changes in the weather. The first fire that really affected us was the famous Angola Fire in 2007. The fire started when a man failed to put out a campfire properly. He burned down many houses and from that time on Geronimo's family was filled with fear. “I remember our family had a suitcase with documents and clothes ready in case we had to evacuate,” he said sadly.
In search of stability and a better quality of life, Josefina moved to Minnesota in May 2023, and is currently looking for ways to adapt and contribute to the environment. Her day-to-day work reflects this commitment: She supports second-grade teachers at an elementary school, holds monthly meetings with the Environmental Justice Committee, and researches state environmental bills and policies. Through her work, Josefina uses her personal experiences to create positive change in her community.
“I became a full-time educator in California in 2010,” Geronimo explained. “I don’t know of a more political profession than teaching.” Through his childhood experiences, Geronimo learned to protect himself and others, as he had to navigate complex systems from an early age. Like many children from immigrant families, he took on various leadership roles in a family structure and dynamic that was very different from that of his peers from Anglo-Saxon families.
However, your day always starts with action that sums up everything you've learned: checking the weather and air quality. For Josefina, this simple gesture was more than just a habit; It is an important tool to protect yourself and others from the challenges of climate change.
Constant reminder of possible risks
The emotional impact of the fire left an indelible mark on Geronimo's life, especially as he watched the fires devastate the community around him. “It was devastating to see people I knew lose their homes,” he recalled.
“The firefighters tried their best to save it, but the high school I attended was almost burned down. “It was a very strong blow to me. “While the land has been regenerated and some people have decided to rebuild their homes, the trail remains a constant reminder of what could have been.” Gerónimo noted that information about the fires is not available in multiple languages, including Spanish, making it difficult for immigrant communities to Being well prepared was evident during another major fire in 2021, the Calder Fire.
“I remember we got an alert in the newspaper and it said, 'There's a fire nearby. It's still growing, but don't worry. But my family and I knew we had to take action ourselves, so we prepared ourselves and evacuated. Geronimo explained. Today, with the help of Lake Tahoe Fire and Fuels teams, the community has access to tools and guidance in Spanish, but Geronimo believes more needs to be done so that Spanish-speaking residents have access in the event of a fire. Things needed for safety
For Josefina, the lack of prioritization of residents is particularly concerning. “I remember the main highway, Highway 50, was closed for a month after the fire. This left many people trapped and unable to leave. “Some people don't have enough money to stay in a hotel, so they sleep in their cars,” he explained.
The unseen consequences of fire
After a fire occurs, the consequences are obvious, affecting the environment and the daily lives of residents. “The ashes fell silently, leaving a deep mark on my body. The birds were no longer heard, and the bears and deer disappeared. It was like a horror movie,” Geronimo said.
Although there were no immediate respiratory problems, Josefina and her family still faced challenges from the ash contamination. “We had to evacuate for three weeks and when we came back there was still ash in the house even with all the windows closed.”
Cleaning up after the fire was arduous, and Geronimo had to take the necessary steps to keep his family safe: “We have to do a lot of cleaning and filtering in the house. I also discovered that there is a special way to wash clothes that have been exposed to ash to remove the chemicals. “It's a long and tedious process, but it's necessary to keep us safe.”
She also highlighted how climate change is exacerbating fires, now known as megafires. Geronimo said the state is not doing enough to control the fires. Today, prescribed burning is used to help mitigate wildfires in California and promote forest health, but not yet to the levels needed to control all fires. It improves ecosystems, promotes biodiversity and restores the natural balance of landscapes, making forests more resilient to uncontrollable fires.
A new beginning in a safer environment
Finally, on May 16, 2023, Gerónimo decided to move to Minneapolis with his partner Erik and his cat Félix in search of a safer environment for his family. “I lived in several cities in California before deciding to move to Minneapolis,” he explains. “I know climate change will continue to impact the state where I grew up, and I don't want to keep exposing my family to those risks. Now, in Minneapolis, as harsh as winters are, I prefer winter to continued fires and Risks of pollution. Here, despite other climate challenges, I feel I have more control over my life and environment.
This decision not only changed Geronimo's personal life, but also expanded his commitment as a climate activist. She is committed to advocating for environmental justice and strengthening underserved communities to address the challenges of climate change. “I began advocating for my students and their caregivers both inside and outside the classroom, most recently as a pollster for local nonprofits and currently as a community equity strategist for the Wilder Foundation focusing on legislative and policy work,” he explains. program. The Community Equity Program (CEP) is an immersive political leadership program that brings together Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color who are interested in participating in Minnesota legislative politics and fighting for change in their communities.
Geronimo has built a notable record as a promoter of anti-racist practices and an advocate for community empowerment. With a strong academic background in multicultural education and a career spanning elementary education, literacy, and STEM programs, her work focuses on creating inclusive and resilient spaces for communities that need it most. Her leadership is currently reflected in initiatives such as the Cultural and Ethnic Community Leadership Council, Community Organizing Power, and Latino Action, where she works to ensure the voices of marginalized communities are heard in the field of environmental justice.
“Growing up in California and being directly impacted by wildfires, the current catastrophic fires were the impetus to increase my visibility and contribute my story to research, as communities of color are rarely included, thus inspiring others to share their own experience,” he said.
Gerónimo currently works at César Chávez Academy as education partner While assisting second grade teachers, the vision of education as not only a tool for change but also for healing inspires her work and those around her.
In the face of increasing extreme temperatures and the growing threat of natural disasters, Geronimo called out the importance of community preparedness and defense. “The most important thing is to be prepared. This is not fantasy, this is reality. Every year we face higher temperatures, more intense fires and changes to our daily lives,” he explained.
Not only did Josefina find a new home in Minnesota, she also found her purpose. On October 17, 2024, he was recognized for his efforts to empower the Latino community. “It reassured me that I was doing something important,” he commented.
What moved her most was when Carolina Ortiz, leader of Community Organization Power and Latinx Action, told her, “Your work is so important to us. You are a strong and necessary voice. To Josephine For Na, these words reaffirm her commitment to continue fighting for a more just and sustainable future.
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