Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is a leading organization in lifelong environmental learning in the United States, creating opportunities for people to connect with the environment in ways that improve their lives and the health of the planet. Congressionally chartered in 1990, NEEF focuses on K–12 Education, Conservation, and Health. While not a production company, we recognize the power of video to touch people on an emotional level. Video is one of our most effective tools for telling stories, making science and education accessible, and engaging the public in our mission.

What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?

NEEF’s ethos is rooted in making the environment accessible, relevant, and connected to people’s daily lives. We believe environmental learning is not separate from health, education, and community—it is woven into them.

Our work is rooted in a people-first, collaborative approach. We were chartered to bridge public and private efforts in environmental education, and we partner with federal agencies, corporations, educators, and communities to connect the environment to daily life in practical, meaningful ways. Our programs help show how understanding and caring for the environment leads to better health, stronger communities, and a healthier planet, whether by encouraging responsible buying choices, bringing STEM learning outdoors to prepare tomorrow’s workforce, engaging volunteers in caring for public lands, or promoting health through outdoor activity and resources like our pediatric asthma program.

How can people join or learn more about what you do?

They can visit our website.

Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?

For over 20 years, NEEF has partnered with the CDC on its Environmental Management of Pediatric Asthma Guidelines program, helping pediatric healthcare providers manage asthma triggers and provide effective care.

In 2023, our Health Program Director, Christy Haas-Howard, was looking for ways to reach communities disproportionately affected by asthma in a fresh, creative way. Her search led to Hip Hop Public Health, a nonprofit co-founded by neurologist Dr. Olajide Williams and hip hop icon Doug E. Fresh. Together, we created EMPOWER, our award-winning project.

EMPOWER features eight original songs and animated videos, each highlighting an important part of asthma self-management through the EMPOWER acronym: Environment, Medication, Plan, Open communication, Well-being, Extinguish, and Resilience. Emerging artists Devin Cheff and Heaven White bring the tracks to life with production and guidance from multi-platinum composer Q. Worthy.

EMPOWER can be used in classrooms, community programs, or healthcare settings to teach teens about asthma in a fun, engaging way. Teens can also access the songs and videos online on their own. Each video comes with printable resources for families, teachers, and providers to help reinforce the lessons and support self-management. The project intentionally addresses communities disproportionately affected by asthma and pairs culturally relevant content with evidence-based lessons.

What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?

We are proud that EMPOWER lifts up youth voices while being fun, catchy, and modern. The lyrics are based on research and give real, practical information, yet the songs still feel fresh and relatable. The whole project is original in its approach, and Christy found a partner in Hip Hop Public Health that really clicked with us, and we continue to collaborate on projects, most recently one called, “A Whole Lot”, which addresses issues around climate anxiety.

The biggest challenge was making sure the songs and animations were both medically accurate and inclusive. Our health and marketing teams carefully reviewed every lyric, wireframe, and visual element to ensure the content was correct, culturally sensitive, and accessible to the youth we wanted to reach. Christie is a registered school nurse and an asthma educator, so she was very meticulous.

Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?

When we first started the project, we had planned to make just one video and a poster. As we began figuring out how to create something that would be genuinely useful, follow the CDC EXHALE strategies, and still be fun and engaging for young people, the project grew into a full series of eight videos and songs.

Also, one of the founders of Hip Hop Public Health is Doug E. Fresh, aka, “The Human Beat Box,” which is really fun!

Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.

We won a Telly Award! We also won a Communicator Award. The EMPOWER Video Series will also be screened at the upcoming American Public Health Association Conference.

Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’

… one of the most powerful tools to spark understanding, connection, and progress.