Omar Freilla is an environmental justice activist, cooperative developer, and founder and coordinator of Green Worker Cooperatives, Bronx, New York.
Raised in the South Bronx, where he continues to live, Freilla is passionate about creating a green and democratic economy. He is nationally recognized as a leading voice for worker ownership, green jobs, and environmental justice and is founder and coordinator of Green Worker Cooperatives, an organization dedicated to incubating green and worker-owned businesses in the South Bronx. Freilla brings to his work years of experience challenging environmental injustices, supporting the development of worker-owned businesses, and creating opportunities for reflection on power and privilege. His writings have appeared in numerous books, blogs, and articles, and he has been featured in several documentaries, including Leonardo DiCaprio’s environmental documentary The 11th Hour. Additionally, he has received numerous awards for his work, including the Rockefeller Foundation’s Jane Jacobs Medal for New Ideas and Activism. He holds a master’s degree in environmental science from Miami University of Ohio and a bachelor of science degree from Morehouse College, where he founded the organization Black Men for the Eradication of Sexism.