Shamyra Lavigne-Davey is a native of St. James, Louisiana and a third generation Human Rights activist. In 2020, Shamyra became the Executive Assistant to the Founder/Director of RISE St. James Louisiana, a faith-based grassroots nonprofit organization fighting for the eradication of petrochemical emissions in the river parishes also known as “Cancer Alley”. Shamyra is a 2023 Young, Gifted, And Green: 40 Under 40 Award recipient and a 2023 and 2024 Essence Festival featured panelist. Shamyra currently serves as an Advisor on the Conceptual Committee for the Frontline Resource Institute (FRI).

Shamyra explains the history and current state of environmental racism in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley". Shamyra is the Executive Assistant at RISE St. James Louisiana, is a faith-based, grassroots, nonprofit organization fighting for clean air and water as well as the eradication and expansion of petrochemical industries in St. James Parish and the surrounding river parishes. Register at https://www.gonzaga.edu/climate-institute