The future of ecology is open, inclusive, and accessible In the last year, there were many lessons to be learned from the COVID global pandemic and continued push for social justice in the USA and across the world. Many of us came face to face with loss and grief, and gained a new appreciation of friends, family, and self-love. We were also compelled to reevaluate our overdependence on, and definitions of, “success” in our work life and recenter our thoughts on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Meanwhile – during a global pandemic – our studies, exams, research, training, mentoring, teaching, and outreach never stopped. In my talk, I will highlight the people who lead during the last year – both in our communities and in research. Specifically, I will focus on the women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ folx whose research and leadership have guided the Ecological Society of America to be more open, inclusive, and accessible. For more information, including speaker biographies and photos, see our plenary page.