Defranco's Campaign for EarthShare Texas

Serving on the EarthShare Texas Board comes down to a simple reality: environmental work doesn't happen in a vacuum, and the grassroots organizations doing the heavy lifting in our communities need sustainable, unified support to survive and scale.

I joined the Board because I believe in building ecosystems of support—and ensuring young people have a real seat at the table in shaping them. Throughout my work in community organizing, urban agriculture, and local initiatives, I’ve seen incredible frontline groups spend too much time hunting down isolated grants instead of focusing on the work on the ground.

EarthShare Texas acts as a force multiplier, connecting and supporting a broad network of environmental nonprofits working to keep Texas resilient. Being on the Board allows me to help strengthen that network directly while advocating for more young leaders to step into decision-making roles within the movement.

Why the EarthShare Texas Model Matters to Me

EarthShare Texas doesn't just support isolated causes; it recognizes environmental health as an interconnected system. Its workplace giving and coalition model helps democratize environmental philanthropy, making it accessible to everyday workers rather than relying solely on high-dollar foundations.

That community-driven approach matches how I view grassroots change: real movement happens when everyday people pool resources and when we actively empower the next generation of emerging leaders to help guide where those resources go.

And the need for that collective support is significant.

Texas is facing rapid growth, extreme weather, land fragmentation, and severe ecological pressures. At the same time, public funding and state-level protections for natural resources often lag behind the urgent reality on the ground.

Nonprofits step into that gap—protecting land, securing clean water, fostering urban canopy, and educating the next generation. Supporting them isn't an abstract ideal; it's direct protection for our state's future quality of life.

Why This Matters in San Antonio & South Central Texas

South Central Texas is on the frontlines of some of the state's most pressing ecological challenges: intense heat island effects, aquifer protection, rapid development over sensitive watersheds, and equitable access to green space in historically underserved neighborhoods.

San Antonio's climate resilience depends on proactive conservation, urban forestry, and sustainable land management. EarthShare Texas supports local and statewide organizations working to ensure our soil, water, and neighborhood green spaces remain healthy for everyone who calls this region home.

What I Hope We Can Accomplish Through The Big Give

Through The Big Give, I want my community, friends, and colleagues to see how small, collective contributions can transform into significant regional impact.

I'm asking you to join me in helping:

Support the work. Raise critical funds that support member organizations doing the dirt-under-the-fingernails work in our communities.

Build awareness. Connect more people to the ecosystem of local environmental efforts so they feel empowered to get involved and take ownership of our regional resilience.

Elevate young leaders. Inspire and pave the way for more young people to step into leadership, Board, and organizing positions across local conservation spaces.

That's the power I see in EarthShare Texas: many people and organizations pooling their resources, expertise, and energy to create something larger than any one of us could accomplish alone.

I hope you'll join me during The Big Give and help strengthen the people and organizations working for a more resilient San Antonio, South Central Texas, and Texas.