Join community advocates, organizers, and subject matter experts for a panel discussion on effectively communicating climate, public transit, active transportation, and environmental justice issues to the media. Whether you're championing better bus service, fighting for protected bike lanes and walkable streets, pushing for climate action, or working on environmental justice campaigns, learn strategies for getting your message heard and building media relationships that amplify your work.
Featured Panelists
Pat LaFleur
Writer, Editor, Producer & Senior Communications Consultant
Pat spent four years as a transportation beat reporter at WCPO 9 News covering transit, mobility, and infrastructure issues in Greater Cincinnati. As a bike commuter, bus rider, and pedestrian, Pat brings lived experience with alternative transportation to the conversation. Pat has also served as External Affairs Manager for Cincinnati Metro, overseeing public relations and media strategy for the region's transit authority.
Missy Spears
Executive Director, Queer Kentucky
Missy leads Queer Kentucky, the state's only LGBTQ+ newsroom, where she oversees editorial strategy and community-centered journalism that amplifies marginalized voices. A skilled community organizer and civic engagement leader, Missy founded the COVunity Fridge, a volunteer-driven 24/7 food pantry in Covington, and has raised over $35,000 for local causes through creative placemaking and digital organizing. Her work bridges grassroots advocacy and media, focusing on how community-led initiatives can shape public policy narratives.
Discussion Topics
Submit your questions in advance! We'll cover:
Connecting complex policy issues to human stories
Responding to pushback or misinformation on environmental justice topics
Building long-term media relationships for sustained coverage
Strategies for getting coverage of community-led initiatives
Venue Information
Getting to Trinity Episcopal Church
Wayfinding Help: Enter through the red door on the right next to the garden. We'll be in the May Room at the end of the hall.
Accessibility: Trinity is fully accessible.
Transportation Options
Bike Parking: There is a bike corral in the small parking lot on the southwest side of the building. Redbike station at Rivercenter.
Public Transit:
TANK Southbank Shuttle stop is across the street
Riverfront Transit Center is ½ block north