Environmental Justice Facilitator Spotlight | Megan Borruso

We are pleased to spotlight Megan Borruso who is a 540Monthly sustaining member and environmental justice facilitator

About Megan Borruso
Megan is an Environmental Specialist, working in the field of Environmental Science and Engineering for over 13 years. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from SUNY Geneseo in 2006 and a Masters in Geography and GIS from CUNY Hunter in 2011. She has worked on many projects involving Brownfield cleanup and development in NYC and Rochester, which inspired her to volunteer in the Environmental Justice field.  Megan is most passionate about creating a safe living environment for people to live in her community, free of contamination and pollution.

Tell us about yourself. Where were born? How old are you? How many siblings do you have?

MB: I’m a 35-year-old woman born in Johnson City, NY. I have one sister and one brother, both older than me, both currently living in Arizona. As a kid, I lived with my mom and we moved around a lot, so I’ve lived in Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, and Binghamton. In high school, I lived with my dad in Conklin (a suburb of Binghamton) so that I could attend the same high school for all 4 years. I graduated in 2002 and then attended SUNY Geneseo for undergrad. In between semesters I lived in various towns on Long Island. When I graduated from Geneseo in 2006 with a Bachelors in Geography and Environmental Science, I moved to Queens and began working in the Environmental Engineering field. I attended CUNY Hunter for graduate school while working full-time. I received my Masters in Geography and Geographic Information Systems in 2011 and moved to Rochester in 2012 to start a new job with a local Engineering Firm. I currently work for the New York State Dormitory Authority as an Environmental Specialist. I am in a long-term relationship with a loving and supportive partner, and we have two cats and two dogs. Outside of work, I am a photographer, specializing in live music photography.

In what area of environmental activism do you connect with professionally?

MB: I connect most with ensuring that contaminated areas are properly contained and cleaned up, so they don’t adversely affect the communities they are sited in.

What made you decide to become a EJ Facilitator with 540WMain?

MB: I have enjoyed taking classes at 540WMain for years now. I always learn something new and connect with new people who are interested in learning what they can do to make a difference in their community. 540WMain facilitates an open learning environment that fosters discussion at all levels of understanding and allows people to collaborate on unique solutions to issues facing our community.

During these uncertain times a 540Monthly Membership ensures that 540WMain is able to create multi-media content, virtual classes, and educational programming rooted in and taught from a social justice and anti-racism perspective. If you love 540WMain consider becoming a 540Monthly member for a little as $3/month.