AUSTIN, Texas — A community activist believes that in order for Austin to move forward, Austinites need to focus on environmental justice issues impacting Texans. 

It's one of the reasons they created the podcast Adelante ATX. The environment means everything to Daniela Silva.

"Without it, there is nothing else without clean water, clean food, clean air,” Silva explained. 

Silva has been spending a lot of time focusing on environmental justice issues impacting Texans.

"I have so many friends and members of the community who I know are doing incredible work and I feel don't get the recognition or don't get the platforms,” Silva said. 

Silva created a space to bring these people together. She's been meeting with Texans to discuss topics that affect their communities and their plans to address those concerns. 

"Adelante ATX is a new podcast here in Austin,” Silva said. “And I want other people in Austin to see the incredible work that's already being done and hopefully be inspired and motivated to get involved.”

Silva recently met with the park adopters of Grand Meadow Park. They are working on turning the undeveloped city park into a community garden and food forest. Cecilia Hogan is the outreach steward.

"Such an important need. As a mental health professional, I know that, of course, food, water and shelter are really important for people as basic needs, but so is community,” Hogan said.

Ivana Coleman is the fundraising steward.

"One of the first things we did was become park stewards, so we adopted the park and then from there, we’re able to tap into the City of Austin's resources,” Coleman said. 

Silva hopes hearing stories like theirs shared on Adelante ATX inspires Texans.

"Community has the power to make the positive changes that they want,” Silva said.