Kevin J. Patel on Youth Climate Power, Policy Change & Building Community

In this heartful and energizing episode of The Sustainable Act, I sit down in person with climate justice leader and social entrepreneur Kevin J. Patel—and it’s been years in the making!

From his family's roots as climate migrants in Gujarat, India, to founding OneUpAction International and passing the groundbreaking Youth Climate Commission, Kevin opens up about his powerful journey, the importance of youth voices, and what it means to be a young brown leader in a space that wasn’t built for us.

Together, Smiely and Kevin reflect on friendship, community, and how staying rooted in culture and values has helped them navigate—and reshape—the climate movement.

Whether you're an aspiring changemaker or a longtime activist, this episode is a reminder that we all belong in the fight for a just and sustainable future.

Tune in to hear:

- Kevin’s earliest memories of growing food with his father in South Central LA

- What fuels his vision for youth empowerment and intersectional climate action

- The importance of showing up as your full self in advocacy spaces

Learn more about Kevin and his organization below:

https://www.imkevinjpatel.com/

https://oneupaction.org/our-story/

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