Who We Are
About Us
We are a a community-based participatory research program centered around promoting awareness of air quality in the Inland Empire through collaborative research, education and advocacy. We are concerned citizens, we are workers, we are families. Together, we are dedicated to taking charge of our health and our air to make a positive change in our environment.
We are grateful to do this work in partnership with People's Collective for Environmental Justice (PCEJ)! Without their support, this program would not be possible.
Learn more about their work at:
CORE TEAM MEMBERS
Gem Montes
Shay (Shafaq) Syed
Shay (Shafaq) Syed
Gem Montes has called the Inland Empire home for more than 30 years. After raising her children in the IE, she returned to school. A recent graduate of UC Riverside’s School of Public Policy, Gem’s focused studies were Urban/Environmental Studies and Social/Cultural/Family Policy. As an advocate, she understands and appreciates the import
Gem Montes has called the Inland Empire home for more than 30 years. After raising her children in the IE, she returned to school. A recent graduate of UC Riverside’s School of Public Policy, Gem’s focused studies were Urban/Environmental Studies and Social/Cultural/Family Policy. As an advocate, she understands and appreciates the importance of each person’s story as we strive to create healthier, happier communities. Currently, Gem is a Heat ReZilient Fellow at Pauma Tribal Farms thru California Climate Action Corps. She also has an internship with the Mojave Desert Land Trust and the BLM. She has a lifetime of community service and has passed that value to her children. Gem is the founding member of TAIB. The project was inspired by the desire to keep her family safe amid a climate crisis exacerbated by predatory development practices targeting the IE. Her commitment to her community will continue through The Air I Breathe project and beyond.
Community Solutions Specialist
Shay (Shafaq) Syed
Shay (Shafaq) Syed
Shay (Shafaq) Syed
Shay has lived in the Inland Empire for most of her life and has spent a large proportion of her time in close proximity to cities being studied for this program. As an Environmental Science student at UC Riverside, she has developed a well rounded understanding of how our environment impacts all aspects of our lives including our health
Shay has lived in the Inland Empire for most of her life and has spent a large proportion of her time in close proximity to cities being studied for this program. As an Environmental Science student at UC Riverside, she has developed a well rounded understanding of how our environment impacts all aspects of our lives including our health and resources. Shay has over two years of experience in Air Quality laboratory research working with data analysis to understand the impacts of air pollution on humans and the environment. She led her own three month research on greenhouse gasses and presented results at the prestigious RISE research symposium. Additionally, Shay is also the Student Engagement Fellow for the Bonnie Reiss Carbon Neutrality Initiative. Her role is to engage and empower over 30,000 students and faculty at UC Riverside in efforts to combat climate change. In 2022, Shay became the co-founding member of The Air I Breathe Project.
Project Strategist
Joelle Montes
Shay (Shafaq) Syed
Joelle Montes
Joelle was born and raised in the Inland Empire, CA on Tongva and Cahuilla lands. In 2021, Joelle graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language & Literature and minor in American Indian Education at Humboldt State University. She is passionate about education reform that promotes histor
Joelle was born and raised in the Inland Empire, CA on Tongva and Cahuilla lands. In 2021, Joelle graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language & Literature and minor in American Indian Education at Humboldt State University. She is passionate about education reform that promotes historical accuracy and transparency, testimonial justice and youth empowerment. Engaging in community work that centers the health of families and the environment is what Joelle loves to do.
"Growing up surrounded by trucks, warehouses and smog was always so normal to me... and it shouldn't be. Every community deserves clean air. This is why I am so honored and excited to be a part of The Air I Breathe."
- Joelle Montes
Outreach & Education Coordinator
In the works...
TAIB Colton Winter Pilot Project
Are you a student in Colton, CA or do you know of one? Join our Colton Winter Pilot Project! We are seeking volunteer participants for a week-long research project to learn more about the daily air quality youth and their families are exposed to. We want to hear your story!
Cash incentives are included.
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Does your child attend school in Colton?
The Air I Breathe is recruiting students from Colton (along with a parent) to join our paid research opportunity for a week.
(Up to $150 per family)
Fill out an interest form now! LIMITED space available.