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Our StoryThe San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition (SDUSC) was founded in response to growing awareness that Southeast San Diego lacked both representation in key sustainability conversations and access to the emerging green economy. Today, SDUSC works to close that gap by uniting communities of concern, stakeholders, and mission-aligned organizations through grassroots organizing. Our mission is to inform policy, drive equitable processes, and improve quality of life by expanding opportunities for Southeast San Diego and other historically resilient communities.
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Our VisionTo create collaborations for equitable and inclusive solutions to climate change in communities of concern.
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Our Goals• Inspiring Action & Civic Engagement
• Expanding Access to Sustainability Resources • Introducing Sustainability to Underserved Communities • Promoting Sustainable Practices in Communities of Concern • Offering Technical Support & Expertise |
The People Behind the Work
TEAM
Eddie Price
Eddie Price is a Native of California who has been at the forefront of Economic Equity for more than 25 years. Mr. Price spent his early formative years in Oakland, CA, and eventually moved to San Diego where he hit the ground running. Realizing there was a lack of economic activity involving African Americans, he started the San Diego Urban Economic Corporation. READ MORE
He currently serves as the Community Development Officer for GRID Alternatives, an international non-profit Solar installation company and perfect fit for Mr. Price with their triple bottom line of "People, Planet, Employment." |
Tanisha- Jean Martin
At San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition (SDUSC), Tanisha-Jean Martin is the Climate Community Director and Environmental Justice Consultant. READ MORE
Tanisha-Jean Martin is a San Diego native, born and raised in SouthEast San Diego. She graduated as a McNair Scholar from San Diego State University (SDSU), triple majoring in Geography, Sociology, and Political Science; she cares about people and places, and makes a difference through her research for policy changes. While at SDSU she received the prestigious Dean’s Award at the 2012-SDSU Research Symposium. As the Black Graduate Student President, Tanisha-Jean earned her Master’s degree at University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences with a certification in Life Coaching, she holds the record for most awards received by a graduating student which includes; “The Best Capstone Project Award Winner of the 2018 graduating cohort”, “The L. Reuben Mitchell Award winner for Campus-Wide Impact, for contribution of Leadership, active involvement, and outstanding contributions to diversity, equality, and inclusion across campus”, “Trailblazer Award Winner” and “USD Changemaker Hub 2017 Winner” She’s worked with the City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation Department, creating detailed maps and focusing on Drought Prevention Projects as the Management GIS-Intern; also the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a Natural Resources Conservation Services intern; as well as the California State Capitol as a Legislative Aide-Intern, where she was able to introduce her own California Legislative Bill into Law (AB832-2013) and received the 2014 California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition: Salute to Woman Leaders in the 79th District. Tanisha-Jean continually strives to assist and improve community, state, and worldwide issues through her extensive research endeavors and passion to protect the planet and all that inhabit upon it. Tanisha-Jean is a Climate Ambassador, an organizational and life coach, and has been a lead speaker at several conferences. |
Oliver Keeton
Oliver Keeton is the Director of Operations for the San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition, where he leads operational strategies to promote equitable access to sustainability resources. In previous roles as Program Manager, he designed and implemented comprehensive HUD-approved training programs for housing counselors, empowering individuals and families to secure affordable housing and build wealth through inclusive resource access. READ MORE
Oliver is deeply passionate about promoting equitable access to financial literacy, wellness, and building a sustainable, healthy future for all communities. His background includes extensive experience in training program development, financial operations, and residential and commercial property management, including roles at WeWork and AvalonBay Communities. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University and is committed to advancing sustainability, housing affordability, and community empowerment in San Diego. |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carlton Stephen Walters – Chair
Carlton Stephen Walters is the founder and CEO of PCS World Network, a leading managed solutions provider and consultancy. With over 35 years of experience in business and technology, Stephen has guided PCS to serve more than 2,500 companies nationwide. He is also a community leader, co-founding 100 Strong and serving as the founding member and past president of the Diamond Business Association. Stephen also founded the Community Business Incubator, a non-profit focused on business development.
Matthew Vasilakis
Matthew Vasilakis is the Co-Director of Policy at Climate Action Campaign, advocating for equitable policies to address the climate crisis. He serves on the boards of the San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition and Lambda Archives San Diego and co-founded the YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County. Matthew holds both a B.A. and M.A. in history from San Diego State University.
Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson is the President and CEO of Cleantech San Diego, driving the region’s leadership in the cleantech economy. With over 20 years of experience, he has secured funding for local energy initiatives and increased revenue by 40%. Jason previously served as Vice President of Business Development at the San Diego Regional EDC and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications from the University of Texas at Austin.
Rod Matthews
Rod Matthews, a navy veteran, co-founded Brevian Energy in 2020 to address high electricity costs in San Diego. His company provides affordable microgrids by partnering with renewable energy providers. Rod is passionate about reducing energy costs, enhancing resilience, and supporting veterans and BIPOC-owned businesses in the renewable energy sector.
Members
The San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition is open for membership!
Whether you’re representing an organization or a concerned community member, we invite you to grow with SDUSC.
Whether you’re representing an organization or a concerned community member, we invite you to grow with SDUSC.