Jimenez, Andrés

Jimenez, Andrés

Andrés Jimenez

Executive Director
Green 2.0
ajimenez@diversegreen.org
Born 1981-Present

Andrés Jimenez is a dedicated leader in environmental advocacy and community service. He has channeled his passion for community and public service into a multifaceted career. In June 2020, Jimenez was appointed Executive Director of Green 2.0, a role in which he uses his strategic thinking and strong relationship-building skills to promote diversity and inclusion in the environmental sector. Jimenez demonstrates his commitment to community welfare and advances various causes, from smart development and affordable healthcare to climate action, clean waterways, and immigration rights.

“Networking is very important. Be strategic in targeting groups and stay focused on your objectives.” - Andres Jimenez, 2023

Selected Publications: 

Jimenez, Andrés. 2022, January 13. They said ‘Black Lives Matter.’ But climate orgs haven’t lived up to the promise. https://grist.org/fix/opinion/climate-orgs-must-do-better-diversity-equi…

Early Life and Education: 

Andrés Jimenez’s early life and education laid the groundwork for his impactful career in environmental advocacy, driven by a deep-seated commitment to positive change. Born in Bogota, Colombia, he embarked on a transformative journey when his parents relocated to West Virginia during his youth. Nestled among the scenic landscapes and lush woodlands of West Virginia, Jimenez developed a profound appreciation for the outdoors. Hiking, biking, and exploring the region’s scenic routes instilled in him a sense of responsibility for protecting and preserving our natural environment.

As he matured, Jimenez’s connection to the environment continued to influence his path in life. He moved to Chicago, where he attended DePaul University. In Chicago, Jimenez settled down and put down roots while pursuing his undergraduate degree in political science. His studies deepened his understanding of political systems and honed his analytical and critical thinking skills. These skills would prove invaluable in his later endeavors, enabling him to take a strategic and informed approach to address the complex environmental issues that would become central to his work.

At DePaul, Jimenez was active in student life, showing early signs of his interest in politics and public service. His engagement with the student body foreshadowed his future leadership roles and advocacy work. Jimenez’s journey from the woods of West Virginia to the bustling city of Chicago, his academic foundation in political science, and his early involvement in student politics set the stage for a remarkable career dedicated to community service and environmental protection.

Career: 

After completing his undergraduate degree, Jimenez gained valuable experience through several positions. In 2005, Jimenez spent four months interning for David Englin’s Virginia State Delegate campaign. In 2007, he started as an intern for the Office of Congressman Howard Berman. Shortly after, he became a Staff Assistant for the Office of Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. In late 2007, Jimenez became a Professional Staffer for the Immigration Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives. His experience at various government levels, from local to federal, has equipped him with a broad and insightful perspective on policy and advocacy.

Jimenez worked for the US House of Representatives until 2010, when he became a Legislative Representative for the City of New York. In 2014, Jimenez left the inner workings of government to be Senior Manager of Government Relations for Ocean Conservancy. He fostered bipartisan solutions to pressing issues such as ocean acidification and sustainable fisheries in the United States. His focus on sustainability and his ability to bridge political divides underscored his commitment to finding practical solutions to complex environmental challenges. In 2016, Jimenez received a promotion to Associate Director of Government Relations. Jimenez’s formative experiences at Ocean Conservancy played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding of environmental advocacy and the intricate politics within the environmental sector. His time at Ocean Conservancy was crucial in his career, providing him with invaluable insights and hands-on experience.

In 2017, Jimenez joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) as the Senior Director of Government Affairs. In this capacity, he collaborated with the US House and Senate to expand CCL’s influence and advocate for crucial environmental legislation. His contributions significantly bolstered the voice of CCL in the political landscape. Drawing from his own challenging experience as an intern on Capitol Hill, where unpaid internships left him financially strained, Jimenez actively worked to change this situation for future generations. During his tenure at Citizens Climate Lobby, he initiated paid internship programs, opening doors for young people of color to gain valuable, hands-on experience in advocacy work. This commitment to diversity and equity has enabled interns to contribute concrete outputs they can leverage to pursue future career opportunities.

Since 2020, Jimenez has been the Planning Commissioner for the Fairfax County Government. As At-Large Fairfax County Planning Commissioner, Jimenez contributes to the betterment of his community by helping shape smart development and planning decisions. Also in 2020, Jimenez was named Executive Director of Green 2.0, making him the organization’s first full-time Executive Director. Green 2.0 promotes diversity and inclusion in the environmental sector, a good fit for Jimenez, who profoundly understands the communities he advocates for. As the Executive Director, he brings his strategic thinking and relationship-building skills to further this vital cause.

Jimenez’s dedication to diversity and inclusion extends to his initiatives at Green 2.0, where he established an open-access career page. This platform connects employers with diverse talents, creating opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the environmental sector. His vision and actions have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in environmental advocacy.

In addition to his professional roles, Jimenez is actively engaged in community organizations. He proudly serves as a Board Member for the Culmore Clinic, further exemplifying his dedication to improving the well-being of underserved communities.

Jimenez’s tireless dedication extends beyond his professional life. He is a lifelong Democrat and community leader, advocating for smart development, affordable healthcare, climate action, clean waterways, and immigration rights. His multifaceted roles as a Planning Commissioner, Board Secretary for the Culmore Clinic, and Executive Director of Green 2.0 underscore his commitment to championing the welfare of his community and advancing impactful causes, making him a prominent figure in environmental advocacy and community leadership.

Importance of Mentoring: 

Mentoring and guidance have been instrumental in Jimenez’s remarkable journey as a leader in environmental advocacy. He has been fortunate to have a network of mentors who have played a crucial role in shaping his career and influencing his decision-making process. His first mentor was his father, who instilled in him the fundamental importance of civic engagement, particularly the significance of voting. This early influence laid the groundwork for his interest in politics and community service.

Two figures who have significantly influenced Jimenez are Mark Magaña, President & CEO of GreenLatinos, and Gloria Walton, President & CEO of The Solutions Project. He sought their counsel and advice to understand his roles within the environmental sector better. Their mentorship helped him navigate the complex world of environmental advocacy and further honed his strategic approach to addressing environmental challenges.

Beyond his professional network, members of Congress have also been valuable mentors to Jimenez. Among them, Rep. Linda Sanchez has been a guiding force in his career growth. Her support and guidance have been instrumental in Jimenez’s journey, providing him with insights into the political landscape and a unique perspective on policy-making. The collective wisdom and guidance his mentors provided have influenced Jimenez’s career and played a pivotal role in his day-to-day decision-making. Their support and insights have been integral to his success, and he continues to pay it forward by mentoring and championing the next generation of environmental advocates.

Advice to Young Professionals: 

Jimenez believes networking is indispensable to building a successful career, especially in environmental advocacy. He offers valuable advice and encourages younger professionals to approach networking strategically.

Identify Your Interests: Identify the groups and organizations that genuinely pique your interest. Whether it’s a passion for environmental conservation or a specific aspect of the field, focus on areas that align with your aspirations.

Engage with Purpose: Once you have pinpointed the groups that resonate with your goals, take the initiative to reach out. Engage with members of these organizations and engage in meaningful conversations about your objectives and aspirations. Share your enthusiasm and learn from their experiences.

Strategic Targeting: Approach networking with a clear strategy in mind. While the environmental sector may seem vast and overwhelming, understanding your specific career goals can help you narrow your focus. Concentrate your efforts on areas that align with your long-term vision.

Stay Focused: Maintain a steadfast commitment to your objectives. Be discerning about the opportunities you pursue, ensuring they genuinely contribute to your professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Two-Way Evaluation: During interviews and discussions with potential employers or collaborators, remember it’s not just about showcasing your skills. Evaluate whether the role or organization is the right fit for you. Consider how they can support your success and growth within the position.

Seek Career Development: Look for organizations that offer career development programs and tools to help you succeed in your chosen role. Learning how to thrive within your position is critical to long-term success.

Climb the Ladder: Explore opportunities for mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals who can help you navigate the path to career advancement. Seek out individuals who can provide valuable insights and support as you progress in your environmental advocacy journey.

Jimenez’s advice underscores the importance of a well-planned and purposeful approach to networking. By combining passion with strategic engagement, individuals can enhance their skills and find the right fit for their career objectives and aspirations.

Sources: 

Andrés Jimenez. n.d. Home [LinkedIn Page]. LinkedIn. Retrieved October 17, 2023 from https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-jimenez-37073514/

Green 2.0. 2023. Green 2.0: About. https://diversegreen.org/about/

Kindler. (2023, February 19). Interview with Andres Jimenez, A New Voice for Fairfax County. https://bluevirginia.us/2023/02/interview-with-andres-jimenez-a-new-voic…

Survey and interviews conducted by Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative staff. 2022-2023. Yale University-School of the Environment. New Haven, Connecticut.

Last Updated: 
12/6/2023