Who are we?
The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) was founded in 2015, by Kim Gaddy, a mother of three asthmatic children with 20 years experience as an Environmental Justice Organizer fighting against air and water pollution in her frontline community of Newark. The South Ward neighborhood is disproportionately burdened with cumulative impacts of pollution impacting the health and quality of life of the residents.
OUR PROGRAMS
Air Quality
The South Ward of Newark is negatively impacted by the diesel pollution from the Port of NY/NJ. The South Ward is the backyard of the third-largest port with 20,000 trucks trips per day and 4,500 of them stay on the local roads of the South Ward, this is an environmental health injustice.
Book Scholarship
As an alumni of Science Park High School, this book scholarship recognizes students who understand the importance of hard work and dedication.
Entrepreneur Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes business owners who understand the importance of innovation and vision.
Meet The Team
Kim Gaddy
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Asada Rashidi
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORGANIZER
Assisting with special projects, supporting staff and facilitating communications with alliance members and the South Ward community.
Frankie Walls
YOUTH COORDINATOR
Facilitating environmental leadership programs to engage the next generation of environmental leaders in the South Ward.
Building strategic relationships in the Dayton Street, Clinton Hill and Weequahic neighborhoods of the South Ward to cultivate a healthy, vibrant and sustainable South Ward.