Kim Gaddy of Newark has spent more than 25 years on the frontlines fighting for environmental justice in New Jersey communities of color, starting in her own South Ward neighborhood where she raised her three children who suffered from chronic asthma. That personal experience and losing her brother-in-law to a fatal asthma attack compelled her to be a voice for communities impacted by industrial pollution. After a decade of tenacious advocacy by Kim and other environmental leaders, New Jersey now has the strongest environmental justice legislation in the nation. In recognition of her steadfast leadership, she is the recipient of a $25,000 award. Kim is the National Environmental Justice Director for Clean Water Action. She is also the founder of South Ward Environmental Alliance. She has been advocating for communities impacted by industrial pollution and the goods movement system in Newark for 23 years. She was instrumental in the development and passing of legislation (S232), which requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to evaluate the environmental and public health impacts of certain facilities on overburdened communities when reviewing certain permit applications.