BJ Cummings

BJ Cummings is the esteemed published author of The River That Made Seattle: A Human and Natural History of the Duwamish, a historical novel on the Duwamish River. She is an activist and public speaker, whose presentations discuss the importance of conservatism, an essential topic for industry audiences. Described as “deeply researched and eloquent”, her moving passion for sustainability led BJ to create the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition in 2001, and later publish her book dedicated to the river.

As a speaker, BJ opens her audience’s eyes to the wonders of nature. For 14 years, she led the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, starting as their Coordinator and Executive Director in 2001. By joining forces with residents and local small businesses, she fought to protect the surrounding environment, which included valuable tribal history. The cleanup initiative advocated for the scientific integrity of the area, and made great strides in protecting the natural beauty. Its achievements were immortalised in PBS' Frontline documentary, Poisoned Waters, and was recognised by Waterfront Center's Clearwater Award.

BJ later progressed to Community Health Projects Manager and Development and Policy Advisor. In such leadership roles, she oversaw vital research and policies that became the organisation’s driving force. She built connections with the University of Washington, to further spread the message, and called upon Seattle local Macklemore to supply his star appeal. BJ’s work has greatly benefited both the local environment, communities and businesses.

Having established a reputation for her work, she later spent two years as Sustainable Seattle’s Executive Director before being appointed the University of Washington’s Community Engagement Manager. Since 2019, she has engaged local communities in environmental health matters. BJ’s passion for safe, pollution-free water sources started in 1994, with the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance. She later founded the Community Environmental Services in 2001, a non-profit that educates communities on their local environment.

BJ’s book, The River That Made Seattle: A Human and Natural History of the Duwamish, documented the journey of her river cleanup. Taking readers on a journey through the river’s history, her work draws attention to the feats made by the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and Community Environmental Services. In recognition of her influence, BJ has received several awards, including Seattle Magazine's 25 Most Influential People of the Year and Most Influential People in its 2008. She was awarded the 2011 King County Green Globe Award for Environmental Activism, and has been named Seattle’s Sustainability Hero and River Network’s River Hero. When BJ is booked for events, she discusses sustainable practices with corporate audiences, to decrease their climate change contribution.