Callie Heard

Community Health Advocate and Environmental Champion
Callie Heard is a passionate community health worker dedicated to promoting environmental justice, sustainability, and the well-being of future generations. With a deep commitment to preserving natural resources, Callie focuses on educating communities about the impact of pollution and the importance of preserving our planet for those who come after us. She believes that exposing the youth to careers centered around science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) is key to building a future generation of advocates who will continue to champion both people's health and the health of the earth.
As someone who sees every element of nature as vital to the larger ecosystem, Callie actively works to encourage communities to reconnect with the environment by growing food and medicine. This practice, she believes, is essential for fostering overall wellness and sustainability, both for individuals and the environment.
One of Callie's signature initiatives is her series of Toxic-Free Workshops, designed for youth to raise awareness about the harmful chemicals often found in everyday products. These workshops educate young people about the hidden endocrine disruptors in the items they eat, use, and wear, while providing practical solutions to replace these harmful chemicals with safe, non-toxic alternatives. By empowering youth to make informed choices, Callie helps cultivate a generation that not only understands the impact of toxic substances on health but also advocates for safer, healthier alternatives.
In addition, Callie organizes an Annual Youth Trades Day, an exciting event where young people have the opportunity to explore the 16 career clusters and unconventional careers that may spark their interest for future decisions. This event serves as a platform for youth to learn about diverse career paths in various industries, from traditional fields to emerging roles in sustainability and environmental health, encouraging them to think broadly about their futures.
Callie’s professional work is just as impactful as her vision for a sustainable future. She serves as the Marketing Specialist and Lead Community Health Advocate for the West Anniston Foundation, where she engages with communities on issues related to health, environment, and social justice. In addition, she serves as the Marketing Chair for the Climate Reality Project, working to raise awareness and support for the global movement to tackle climate change.
Her commitment to community-driven environmental solutions extends to her work with a range of impactful organizations. Callie collaborates with Thriving Earth Exchange, where she helps connect community members with scientists to address local environmental challenges. Through strategic partnerships, she works with organizations such as Coosa Riverkeeper, Extension, Coosa Valley RC&D, Capacity Collaborative, C.L.I.C.K., the PSE Just Energy Cohort 7, and other local partners to amplify collective efforts for environmental preservation and climate action. Callie’s work is grounded in a deep belief that everyone has a role to play in preserving the planet. Her tireless advocacy is helping to shape a more sustainable future, one where communities thrive in harmony with the earth and its resources.