Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Tanai Dawson didn't grow up surrounded by environmental influences, but her college experiences opened her eyes to what she had been missing. As she began exploring environmental sites, she became acutely aware of the environmental injustices faced by urban communities, sparking a deep interest in environmental history and policy.

After earning a BS in Computer Science and a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Mathematics, Tanai is now advancing her studies at Boston University in the Earth & Environment Master's program. She aims to deepen her expertise in environmental data science to drive corporate action and influence environmental policy. Her roles as a Communications Assistant at Hope for Creation, a Massachusetts Climate Corps Leader at Mass Audubon, and a Research Assistant at Harvard Forest have all aligned with her passion for sustainability and innovation. These experiences have shaped her vision for the impact she wants to make in the field, reinforcing the importance of preserving the planet. In her free time, Tanai enjoys reading science fiction novels, gaming with friends on Discord, and experimenting with various arts and crafts, all while caring for her two younger siblings and her 15-year-old blue pit bull.