Jovita Lee, Ed.D., appointed to Governor’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 29, 2025) — Gov. Josh Stein has appointed Jovita Lee, Ed.D., to serve on the Governor’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council. She is program director for North Carolina Black Alliance (NCBA) and policy director for Advance Carolina.

The appointment is part of a larger slate of boards and commissions Stein announced Aug. 29.

The advisory council works to elevate historically marginalized voices in environmental policymaking. Lee brings expertise in community-centered organizing and equity-focused advocacy, underscoring the importance of centering justice in environmental decision-making.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed by Gov. Stein to serve on the Governor’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council,” Lee said. “This is an exciting opportunity to help ensure that the voices of our most impacted communities are heard in environmental decision-making. I look forward to working with leaders across the state to advance proposals that promote equity, protect our environment and bring lasting change to our political process.”

The appointment positions Lee to help shape state policy to ensure environmental protections reach the communities most affected by ecological harm. It also aligns with the collective mission of NCBA and Advance Carolina to advocate for systemic equity in governance and environmental policy.