MEET ELISE
Elise Marie Tolbert is a native of Tuskegee, Alabama who is committed to improving communities, particularly those of color, by improving the quality of education, health and the environment, thus improving quality of life. Elise currently works as the Senior Energy Campaign Manager at the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington, DC. In her role, she leads a national campaign to modernize our nation’s energy grid by engaging Black-Americans, environmental justice, and youth groups in the decision-making process to ensure that they have a voice in the development of national policy and legislation. Elise is also the Founder and Executive Director of Next Step Up, a non-profit organization that has provided mentoring and tutoring to high school students in Tuskegee for the past 13 years. In this role, she enjoys leading volunteers, community members, and others in initiatives that empower the students to reach their dreams.
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At an early age she developed a deep passion for the natural environment, which later molded her career interest. Elise received her B.S. in Environmental Science from Tuskegee University and Masters of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of Michigan. In 2021, Elise was awarded “Top 40 Environmental Justice Leaders Under 40.” This national award was presented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Michael Regan, and is a national award which recognizes top leaders in the United States.
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Elise is an active organizer in Tuskegee and in 2020 she organized and executed the Tuskegee Unity March for Justice which brought a crowd of over 300 people, law enforcement, and elected officials to stand in solidarity for racial justice. She is also the co-founder of the Macon County Youth Council, which seeks to organize young people for positive change in Macon County. Elise is a Christian and loves the Lord and her church family. She lives by motto “Blaze your own trail,” which reminds her of her responsibility to follow her heart and create a path for others.
Priorities
1
Transparent Management of County Finances
An open and transparent budget process fosters trust that citizen’s views and interests are respected and that public money is used well. Transparent and inclusive budgeting supports better fiscal outcomes and more responsive, impactful & equitable public policies.
2
Investments in Infrastructure, Public Health Public Safety & Recreation
Serious and sustained investments in public health and safety and recreation such as parks improve Macon County's health, and foster economic resiliency. Investing in infrastructure has a positive effect on economic growth & employment.
3
Meaningful Engagement with Citizens
Citizen engagement allows local governments to better inform policy decisions & increase the quality & legitimacy of community outcomes by including the collective values, beliefs, & perceptions of the community. I will meet with citizens to ensure your voice is heard & your needs are represented.
HONORS & AWARDS
2018 - 2022
2020
2019
President, Tuskegee University, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Alumni Association
National Environmental Justice Leader Award Recipient from Black Millennials 4 Flint
Macon County Board of Education Community Leader Award Recipient
BABI Village Community Leader Award Recipient
ASPPH/EPA Environmental Health Fellowship
University of Southern California Pre-doctoral Workshop for Students of Color Scholarship Recipient,
University of Michigan School of Public Health Deans Scholar
2019
2016 - 2018
2016
2015
University of Michigan Emerging Scholar Travel Grant Awardee
Mayor of Tuskegee, AL Community Civic Leader Award
Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and College
Sigma Xi (National Research Society)
Rural Youth Leader Travel Award and Summit Participant