Fighting for Environmental Justice in the St. Louis Region since 2014
Karen Nickel: Board Member & Co-Founder, Just Moms STL
Karen is a lifelong St. Louis County resident, mother of four, and grandmother of six whose advocacy began after discovering radioactive contamination in her neighborhoods. Co-founding Just Moms STL in 2014, she has become a national voice for environmental justice, testifying in D.C., and helping pass the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in 2025. Despite her own health battles, Karen remains a fierce advocate for a safer future.
Dawn Chapman: Board Member & Co-Founder, Just Moms STL
Dawn is a lifelong St. Louis County resident, and a mother of three, nationally respected environmental health advocate. After learning about radioactive waste near her home, she co-founded Just Moms STL with Karen Nickel. Known for her research, clarity, and compassion, Dawn has testified before Congress, educated communities, and helped secure RECA’s passage. She continues to fight for transparency, public health, and environmental accountability.
Debi Disser: Board Member, Website Designer/Manager, Researcher & Treasurer, Just Moms STL
Debi is a lifelong St. Louis County resident and is a health insurance systems expert and lifelong genealogist who transforms data into action. Raised near radioactive sites and later working by the West Lake Landfill, she joined Just Moms STL over a decade ago. After losing her brother (43) to a Glioblastoma brain cancer, she became a driving force behind the group’s digital strategy, research, and advocacy. Her work connects history, policy, and community to demand justice and protect future generations.
Connie Usry: Board Member & Vice Chairman, Just Moms STL
Connie is a lifelong St. Louis County resident and proud grandmother, Connie brings deep community roots and steady leadership to Just Moms STL. Her advocacy began with the discovery of radioactive waste near her home. As Vice Chairman and Secretary of the West Lake Landfill Community Advisory Group, she bridges residents and regulators with empathy, persistence, and a fierce commitment to family and public health.
Traci Vette: Board Member & Secretary, Just Moms STL
Traci is a lifelong St. Louis County resident with nearly three decades in construction, Traci brings structure, humor, and heart to her role as Secretary. A mom of three and Grammy to six, she’s known for keeping meetings on track and bylaws in check. Her no-nonsense style and deep community ties make her a trusted leader in the fight for environmental justice—and a loyal fan of both her family and her favorite sports teams.