Profiles of Women at EPA
Women were at the forefront of the environmental movement long before the first Earth Day in 1970. Outstanding women like Rachel Carson and Hazel Johnson dedicated their lives to teaching us how, when we protect the environment, we also protect our health and our communities. You can learn more about the history of women’s leadership on the environment through the White House project on the untold history of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM fields). Every Women’s History Month, we celebrate the work of Rachel Carson, Hazel Johnson, and the work of many other women who are taking action on climate, clean water and other big issues.
Here at EPA, women serve in numerous leadership roles and play an integral part in the agency's decision-making. Thanks to the work and dedication of our scientists, rule-makers, lawyers, and specialists, we're able to fulfill our mission and make the Earth a better place. We hope the profiles below will inspire others to work towards a healthier and more sustainable environment. You can also view more profiles of women scientists and researchers at EPA in EPA's Science Matters newsletter.





Lisa Donahue, Environmental Scientist Lisa Donahue is an enforcement team leader in our Philadelphia regional office. Read more about Lisa Donahue. |
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Justina Fugh, Senior Counsel for Ethics Justina Fugh oversees EPA's ethics program and compliance with the Hatch Act (which limits partisan political activity of federal employees). Read more about Justina Fugh. |
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Noha Gaber, Ph.D., Director, Office of Internal Communications Noha Gaber manages initiatives that connect EPA employees to compelling work, to one another, and to EPA's important mission. Read more about Noha Gaber. |
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Francesca Grifo, Scientific Integrity Official Francesca Grifo is a scientist in the Office of the Science Advisor who ensures that EPA uses the best science and technology to make decisions. Read more about Francesca Grifo. |
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Marva King, Program Manager Marva King is currently working on a short-term assignment in the Office of Environmental Justice, leading efforts to improve the quality of life in communities burdened by environmental challenges. Read more about Marva King. |
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Tanya Lawrence, Attorney Advisor Tanya Lawrence provides legal advice to help agency managers resolve labor and employment issues. Learn more about Tanya Lawrence. |
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Edna D. Mercado, EPA Leadership Development Institute Edna Mercado works at EPA's Leadership Institute managing employee development programs. Read more about Edna Mercado. |
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Carolina Peñalva-Arana, Molecular biologist Carolina Peñalva-Arana is a scientist working at the National Center for Environmental Research at EPA headquarters. Read more about Carolina Peñalva-Arana. |
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Dale H. Perry, Ph.D., Science Advisor Dale H. Perry is a science advisor and communicator in the Office of the Administrator at EPA headquarters who urges other young women to dream big. Read more about Dr. Dale Perry. |
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Ann Richard, Research Chemist Ann Richard is a lead researcher in EPA's National Center for Computational Toxicology, evaluating potentially harmful chemicals to better protect public health. Read more about Ann Richard. |
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Sandra Rivera, MBA, EPA’s Hispanic Employment Program Manager Council Chair Sandra Rivera is currently on a temporary assignment as a special assistant for EPA’s Water Permits Division at EPA headquarters. Read more about Sandra Rivera. |
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Paula Selzer, Children’s Health Coordinator Paula Selzer works with partners at different levels of government, academia, the private sector and community-based organizations to reduce children’s exposures to environmental health hazards. Read more about Paula Selzer. |
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Kathleen Stewart, Environmental Scientist Kathleen Stewart works on improving the air quality, indoors and outdoors, for people living in in the Pacific Southwest. Read more about Kathleen Stewart. |
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Maryann Suero, Environmental Health Scientist Maryann Suero works on reducing children’s exposure to dangerous chemicals and environmental hazards in schools. Read more about Maryann Suero. |
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Kelly Witter, Environmental Engineer Kelly Witter manages programs to connect the needs of communities with the expertise of our employees. Learn more about Kelly Witter. |
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