I recently came across the story of Laurene Allen, and it really struck a chord with me. She’s a community advocate from Merrimack, New Hampshire, who turned personal concern into meaningful action after discovering that her town’s water supply had been contaminated with PFAS chemicals, the “forever chemicals” now found in so many places around the world.

Without any background in environmental science, Laurene learned quickly. She co-founded Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water, brought her neighbors together, and helped make PFAS contamination a local and national conversation. Her efforts contributed to years of awareness, testing, and, eventually, accountability.

What I find so inspiring about her story is how grounded it is. She’s a parent, a social worker, and a neighbor not far from where I grew up, who simply refused to look the other way. It’s a reminder that environmental issues aren’t distant or abstract, they’re personal. Clean water is something every community deserves, and Laurene’s persistence shows how local leadership can make a lasting difference.

Thank you, Laurene, for your dedication and courage. Your work reminds us that advocacy often starts right where we live …with the people and places we care about most.