When it comes to solving complex environmental challenges, Georgia doesn’t need more division. We need more connection. 

That’s exactly what the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL) offers: a powerful, people-centered experience that brings together changemakers from across the state to build trust, deepen understanding, and lead boldly toward a more sustainable future.

In a recent interview for the Georgia Climate Digest video interview series, longtime climate justice advocate and IGEL graduate Eriqah Vincent sat down with Monica Thornton, IGEL graduate and board member, and Beth Blalock, IGEL graduate and facilitator, to explore what makes the program so transformative, and why it’s a must for anyone serious about leading on climate solutions in Georgia.

Watch the video above to hear the full conversation, or keep reading to learn more about their experiences with IGEL and the reasons why they recommend the program so enthusiastically. 

IGEL Offers a Path to Leadership, No Matter Where You Come From

All three women brought different experiences to the program. Monica Thornton, now the Executive Director for The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, didn’t come from a science background. “I'm not an ‘-ologist,’ guy” she said with a laugh. “I'm an administrator. But this work found me.” After years in broadcast journalism and nonprofit leadership, IGEL helped her deepen her approach to environmental leadership in Georgia.

Beth Blalock took a more traditional route. “I came to this pretty intentionally—as a senior in high school, thanks to a great teacher,” she shared. That early spark led to decades of work in the environmental sector across government, nonprofit, and private organizations. She joined IGEL as a participant and later returned as a facilitator.

Eriqah Vincent emphasized what connects them: “The three of us came to this work from very different paths, and that’s exactly what makes IGEL so powerful. It brings together people from different sectors, regions, and worldviews. That diversity is the secret sauce.”

What Is IGEL?

IGEL, or the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership, was founded over 20 years ago to build trust and capacity among Georgia’s environmental leaders. Instead of lectures and policy debates, IGEL invites deep, facilitated conversations across lines that rarely get crossed in other situations.

"IGEL was founded over 20 years ago, when we had a climate here in Georgia where there were just a lot of complex environmental issues, and we were solving those issues mostly by lawsuits and fighting," Beth explained. "And so there was a movement to come together and really think about--is there another way? Could we just sit down and talk to one another?"

The IGEL program spans nine months and includes multiple intensive three-day sessions hosted in different regions of Georgia, from the mountains to the coast. Each session immerses participants in site-specific environmental challenges, such as land use, water quality, agriculture, energy, and coastal resilience. 

Through field visits, case studies, and guest speakers, participants gain a first-hand understanding of the complex factors shaping Georgia’s environment and communities. This place-based learning model is paired with workshops that explore systems thinking, collaborative leadership, conflict resolution, and communication across differences.

What truly sets IGEL apart is its focus on peer learning and transformational leadership. Participants come from a diverse range of sectors, including government, business, nonprofit, academia, and grassroots communities, and are encouraged to bring their full selves to the cohort. 

Instead of offering prescriptive solutions, the program equips leaders with tools to engage across ideological, geographic, and cultural lines. Whether you're sitting in a kayak exploring coastal ecosystems or unpacking environmental justice case studies in a classroom, the IGEL experience is designed to stretch your perspective, deepen your empathy, and sharpen your ability to lead in a diverse and dynamic state.

IGEL Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Each graduate emphasized the value of the personal growth they experienced as much as the professional development they achieved.

Monica shared, “IGEL taught me to stop and pause and ask myself about the other person's lens. It makes me look around the room and ask, ‘Who’s missing?’ and make space for those voices. I know I’m a better leader because of that experience.”

Beth shared a similar takeaway: "I really learned about myself, which I think is very important. I think that's kind of the number one goal, to learn more about yourself and have that time with yourself. Learning how to stay true to myself and understanding my values, while also respecting where other people are coming from and respecting their experiences."

And the program doesn’t shy away from discomfort. “We had tough conversations—some of which I started!” Eriqah joked. “But that’s part of what makes IGEL so effective. It creates a safe space to get uncomfortable, challenge assumptions, and still walk away with deeper respect for each other.”

The Power of the IGEL Cohort

Beyond the curriculum, the real magic happens in the relationships.

“This is peer-to-peer learning,” Beth emphasized. “You’re not being taught from the front of the room, you’re learning from each other. You spend almost a year with your cohort, and that experience creates a space where people can really challenge and support one another.”

Monica agreed: “The people you go through IGEL with become friends, and in some cases, family, because of the experience you share. You build deep relationships and a deep respect for the different perspectives that are essential to finding real solutions.”

That sense of community extends to IGEL alumni across the state, many of whom are now leading environmental efforts in city government, faith communities, nonprofits, corporations, and grassroots organizations.

“I know for a fact I’m more effective in my work because of the people and perspectives I gained through IGEL,” Eriqah said. “It gave me the language, the relationships, and the courage to lead more boldly.”

Why You Should Apply to IGEL

For Monica, who now sits on the IGEL board, encouraging new applicants is personal. The process is very competitive. There are people who have applied several times before they get the opportunity to be a part of IGEL. I think that that's great and we shouldn't change our standards... People who want to lead really should be able to demonstrate the why."

Beth added: "The purpose really is to challenge your viewpoint. And the way we challenge your viewpoint is to bring you with people who don't think like you... We want everybody to come into that tent."

Applications will open in the coming weeks and close in early fall, with decisions announced by year’s end. Letters of recommendation—especially from IGEL alumni—can make a big difference. And the application itself matters. “Take your time with it,” Monica advised. “Really reflect on why you want to lead, and what you’re ready to give and receive from the experience.”

>> Ready to grow as a leader and help shape Georgia’s climate future? Learn more about applying to join the IGEL class of 2026 here: https://igeleaders.org/program/details/

Hope for Georgia’s Climate Future

In closing, Eriqah asked Beth and Monica what gives them hope about climate in Georgia.

Beth reflected on the breadth of solutions: "Everyone can have their own North Star... Your North Star might be something about agriculture or planting more trees or conserving more land and that helps climate. Your North Star might be around solar and that's helping climate... That folds up under the greater initiative to combat climate change."

Monica added, "We're not having the conversation anymore about whether or not climate change or the extreme weather is something that's real or here to stay, and we're concentrating on what do we do about it. We've actually made that leap... We're having conversations about solutions and that gives me a lot of hope."

For Eriqah, it’s the program itself: "Having a unique program like IGEL in the state of Georgia, that certainly continues to give me hope. And I’m proud to be part of that legacy."

Apply to Join the 2026 IGEL Cohort

Georgia is home to so many passionate, capable individuals who care deeply about their communities and the planet we share. IGEL offers a rare opportunity to turn that passion into lasting impact.

Whether you're a city planner, nonprofit leader, teacher, farmer, or concerned citizen, if you want to be part of Georgia’s environmental future, IGEL is for you.

The application for the 2026 IGEL cohort will open soon! Click the button below to learn more.