Who We Are

 
 

Water Insecurity Correction Coalition was founded in 2019 by young water advocates to respond to the Flint water crisis. After recognizing that there are “Flints” all over the United States — with 44 million Americans drinking water from systems that have violated the Safe Drinking Water Act — WICC formed as an organization of young people with different skill sets to combat America’s water insecurity crisis with all of the tools we have. With little funding and no professional experience, WICC’s founding was and is still fueled by our young staff’s dedication to ending water insecurity in the United States however we can.

As a group of youth with different skill sets from different backgrounds — we are scientists, policy analysts, law students, sociologists, and engineers from all over the country — we understand our mandate to be using all of the multisectoral tools in our toolbox to solve the complicated issue of America’s water insecurity crisis.

We often work as a liaison and convener between local residents, government leaders, and on-the-ground nonprofit partners to fill gaps in responses to community-level water crises. Filling gaps might mean short-term service provision, like providing water tests to residents, or long-term analysis, like opinion surveying. Our current programming focuses on New York, California, Michigan, and New Jersey, but our team focuses on identifying and addressing emerging water crises nationwide.

Our five key action areas toolbox — fundraising development, policy advocacy, grassroots activism, meaningful education, and youth empowerment — is curated to solve problems and build strength in water-insecure communities.

Our Team

annabel gregg

Founder

Board President

Hi! I’m Annabel, the Founder and Board President of WICC. I am currently pursuing my MPA in Public & Nonprofit Management and Policy at NYU Wagner, specializing in Public Policy Analysis with a focus in Environment and Climate Change. I started WICC in 2019 as a way to combat the water crisis in the U.S. that impacts millions of Americans every day. When I’m not figuring out WICC’s board operations and coordinating the Upstate Water Contamination Project, I’m probably either running, reading, hiking, eating chocolate, or exploring NYC!


Email Annabel here.

Arianna Trapp

Executive Director

Board Secretary

Hey, my name is Arianna Trapp and I'm the WICC Executive Director! I received a Master’s of Professional Science from the University of Miami in 2023, and a B.S. from Coastal Carolina University in 2021. I'm passionate about studying and working to raise awareness for the water insecurity crisis that is all too prevalent in the US. I believe in equitable access to safe and affordable water, and my goal with WICC is to reach as many communities as we can and help others understand that this problem may be bigger than a lot of us realize. In my free time, I'm usually napping, on Twitter (X?), or watching some random science documentary.

Email Arianna here.

Kayla Chang

Director of Advocacy Operations

Board Member

Hello, I am Kayla Chang. I am pursuing a double degree in Philosophy and Environmental Studies along with a Bioethics minor at Loyola Marymount University. During my undergraduate career, I have gained experience working with environmental non-profit organizations and within the legislative
field. After completing my undergraduate education, I plan to obtain a law degree and focus my studies on Environmental law. I am interested in an array of environmental equity
issues, and I am eager to work alongside those who are willing to push for change.

nico gentile

Director of Program Development

Board Member

As a dedicated student and the Director of Project Development at the Water Insecurity Correction Coalition (WICC), I have been privileged to inspire and unite many from across the nation in the battle against climate change and water insecurity . My expertise spans data science, geographic information systems (GIS), emerging contaminants (specifically PFAS), water security, environmental health, and interdisciplinary climate education. I am currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies focusing on urban and environmental ecology.

Email Nico here.

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sam grimmke

Board Treasurer

Hi everyone! I’m Sam Grimmke, the Board Treasurer and former Finance & Fundraising Director for WICC. I recently graduated from Baruch College in Manhattan, where I majored in Financial Mathematics with a minor in Statistics and Quantitative Modeling. When I’m not helping WICC, you’ll catch me running as a part of my school’s cross country team or playing basketball at my local park.

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Madeline Van Schelven

Fundraising & Finance Director

Board Member

Hi all! My name is Madeline Van Schelven & I am the Fundraising and Financing director at WICC. I’m currently pursuing a J.D. and have a bachelors from University of Michigan. Through my work at WICC I aim to facilitate and empower community growth externally and internally through WICC’s fundraising goals. My goal and hope in working for WICC is being able to serve under represented communities struggling with water insecurity and improve the quality of their lives, while fostering long term change.

Email Madeline here

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Nolan lyons

Board Member

Hey! My name is Nolan Lyons and I’m a Board Member and the former Advocacy Director of WICC. As a sophomore at Hunter College in Manhattan, I’m majoring in Political Science while pursuing a minor in Economics and certificate in Public Policy. At WICC, I work on new and exciting projects! Currently, I oversee the newly founded Advocacy Team, which seeks to increase knowledge and advocate for impactful legislation all around the nation! When I’m not working with WICC, you can find me in a movie theater, binging something on Netflix, or eating (unhealthy) food.

Bianca C.

Program Coordinator

Hello! My name is Bianca! I’m the Program Coordinator here at WICC. I’m a senior majoring in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Justice and Community Resilience. As someone who studies disaster risk reduction, I remain aware of how decisions create disproportionate vulnerability to hazards. WICC’s work supporting community-led water security projects shows how youth-led nonprofits can reduce immediate vulnerability while also recognizing the deeper causes behind water insecurity. As PC, I am connected to many aspects of WICC and support the leadership and goals of the organization.

Email Bianca here

Melissa Sample

Fundraiser

Hi, my name is Melissa Sample. I am currently pursuing a Biology major with a minor in Psychology from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. I joined the W.I.C.C. because I wanted to make a difference in an area I believe in and have an impact in communities. In my free time I like to run, travel, and spend time with friends and family.

Grace Gaddam

Fundraiser

WE’RE HIRING!

Visit our Job Openings page to learn more.