Richard Gallon is a seasoned advocate and community organizer with extensive experience in managing national and state-level youth campaigns. Originally born and raised in Southern California, Richard came to Arizona in 2012 to attend the University of Arizona. Richard started his advocacy journey while attending community college in California, advocating for access to affordable higher education, and has worked in several advocacy areas since being in AZ including education, environmental issues, LGBTQ+ education, youth organizing, along with working in several election cycles. Richard comes from his previous role as the National Organizing and Training Manager for the Environmental Defense Funds Program Defend Our Future working to engage and train environmental advocates within the 18-35 age group. Richard led a diverse team of organizers and volunteers around climate policies, created comprehensive environmental justice and DEI trainings, and was one of Black Millennials for Flints: Young, Gifted, and Green 40 Under 40 awardee for his national work in environmental justice. When not working, Richard likes to spend his time working on his creative writing and playing cozy games like Stardew Valley and Coral Island.