Student Advisory Board

The members of the Turning Green Student Advisory Board serve as ambassadors and leaders for the organization.

Student Advisory Board members collaborate with staff in the planning and facilitation of TG’s programs including Project Green Challenge, Conscious College Road Tour, and other related events, and act as student advisors for the organization. Additionally, the TG Student Advisory Board members assume the same responsibilities as Campus Representatives when it comes to the health of TG relationships on their campus.

APPLY NOW

WHAT TO EXPECT

Student Advisory Board roles are open to high school and college students who have been involved with TG in some capacity for at least 6 months. The Term of Service for the TG Student Advisory Board is at least one calendar year. The transitional period will be every January. The application is on-going throughout the year, with the deadline of December 31 every year.

COMMITTEES

MEET THE TEAM

Winter/Spring 2025 INTERNS & FELLOWS

Allison Erftenbeck

BA, Indiana University

Allison is a sustainability specialist with a passion for climate change resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental justice. Following her interests and the rising call for environmental action, she received a B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Indiana University (IU). During her time at IU, she and her peers saw a lack of sustainable initiatives on campus and spearheaded the environmental campaign Students for a New Green World, where she held research and professional writing roles for their divestment campaign and environmental education series. Rounding out her time at IU, Allison declared a concentration in sustainable energy, resources, & climate, and added minors in earth and atmospheric sciences and business. This allowed her to gain a more holistic view on sustainability while exploring multidisciplinary issues via scientific research and writing, lab and field work, and various software applications including ArcGIS and MATLAB. Her interest in GIS brought her to Turning Green, where she works with Conscious Kitchen (CK) to build a database and interactive multi-layered map of California districts/schools and local organic farms in the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) regions.

Canyang Zhao

Junior, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Canyang is a junior at University Wisconsin-Madison studying Data Science and Neurobiology. He is from Shanghai and has experience in Python and R for research projects like data analysis and automation. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, biking, and exploring the outdoors to recharge and stay inspired. He is excited to contribute to Conscious Kitchen’s mission of advancing food equity and sustainability in schools.

Katherine Mueller

Sophomore, University of California Los Angeles

Katherine is a sophomore at UCLA, where she is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs with a concentration in urban planning. Katherine hopes to pursue a career facilitating sustainable business solutions within the food distribution and green architecture industries. With Conscious Kitchen, Katherine will be working to analyze data and supply chain processes, while also creating inventive solutions to promote nutritional equity. In her free time, Katherine enjoys DJ-ing, studying French, and playing badminton.

Fall 2024 INTERNS & FELLOWS

Noah Ovitt-Reed

BA, University of South Carolina

Noah is a recent graduate from the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in Advertising. With a strong passion for copywriting and graphic design, Noah is a firm believer in the power of advertising as a tool for positive change. His experiences working hands-on with several nonprofits during his studies have inspired him to focus his career on the nonprofit sector. Noah’s commitment to environmental sustainability has drawn him to Turning Green, where he is eager to contribute to impactful projects and initiatives. He is excited to leverage his creative skills and advertising expertise to support environmental causes and drive meaningful change. In his free time, Noah enjoys creating art, writing, and he stays up to date on the latest tech trends and innovations. He continuously seeks ways to integrate new tools and techniques into his work to maximize impact and efficiency.

Alexa Fraiman

Junior, Bryn Mawr College

Alexa is a rising junior studying environmental studies and sociology at Bryn Mawr College. She is interested in learning the many ways in which the environment and society are interlinked. As part of the Conscious Kitchen team, she hopes to work towards creating a more just food system that supports the well-being of all. She is passionate about finding both individual and collective ways to respond to the climate crisis, so we can work together towards being resilient. Alexa looks forward to applying what she learns in her everyday life to further explore the central role the environment and food plays in our lives.

Zhiwei Guo

MS, University of Chicago

Zhiwei is a passionate data science student at University of Chicago and earned his bachelor's degree in business administration at University of Southern California. His dedication to making a positive impact has led him to focus on the intersection of data science and sustainability. As a former high school representative at the Environment and Sustainability Summit in China, Zhiwei has been actively involved in climate advocacy and is excited to bring his analytical skills and innovative thinking to Turning Green. He is particularly interested in leveraging data-driven insights to support environmental initiatives and drive strategic decision-making. In his free time, Zhiwei enjoys playing basketball, mentoring international students, and volunteering in his community.

Summer 2024 INTERNS & FELLOWS

Noah Ovitt-Reed

BA, University of South Carolina

Alexa Fraiman

Junior, Bryn Mawr College

Anna Kristoff

Sophomore, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Anna is pursuing a double major in mathematics and French. Outside of academics, Anna serves as a news editor at The Badger Herald where she is passionate about bringing awareness to environmental and social justice issues through writing. In her free time, Anna likes to read, horseback ride, and play piano.

Annika Spaet

Rising Sophomore, Cornell University

Annika is a rising sophomore studying Environment and Sustainability with a minor in American Studies at Cornell University. Being from New York City, she is passionate about improving sustainability practices in urban areas. In student organizations, she furthers her interest in the environment. Her favorite club is Cornell Sustainability Consultants, where she improves conservation practices for local businesses. In her free time, Annika likes going to the gym, watching new movies, and trying to cook.

Cher Eze

Rising Sophomore, University of Alberta, Canada

Cherie (Cher) is majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics with a minor in Management. She is passionate about the intersection of technology, information, environmentalism, and culture in shaping resilient and sustainable cities and communities.Her interest in media and communication began in high school, where she served as Vice President of the school's Publicity Committee and Head of Photography and Digital Design. Cher has further developed her skills through an internship with the US Consulate’s Education USA Lagos as a social media manager and her current role as an
event planner for her university’s computer science club. She actively explores her passion for technology and computing by developing and contributing to software projects, such as EnviroCop, WeeFarm and FoodPing, that address social issues. Cher is eager to join the Conscious Campus Team to pursue her passions, connect with like-minded individuals, and develop new skills. She enjoys reading, sewing, rewatching Criminal Minds, making Spotify playlists, and cooking in her free time.

Elizabeth Lampley

Masters Program, University of California - Berkeley

Elizabeth is a MPH student at UC Berkeley, and is originally from Illinois. She received her B.S. in public health at the University of Iowa in 2022. Her areas of interest include food access, water quality, and public health policy. She has also worked as a research associate with the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Gabriella Calimlim

Rising Senior, New York University

Gabriella is a rising senior at New York University studying Nutrition and Dietetics. She is from Subic Bay, Philippines and has a great passion for anything food related from baking to food justice. In the upcoming years, Gabriella hopes to receive her masters in Nutrition and Dietetics and become a Registered Dietitian. She also hopes to go to culinary school to bridge the gap between sustainability and affordability in the culinary arts.

Kallen Wank

Rising Sophomore, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Kallen is studying environmental science with a certificate in scientific communications and food systems. She grew up in the Bay area and fell in love with her beautiful surroundings, driving her passion to protect our planet. Her previous work at the Island School and the Climate foundation prepared her with the skills and knowledge to conduct research and provide outreach regarding environmental issues. In the future, she will be working with mentors in the Wisconsin area to research water quality and hopes to pursue a career in environmental conservation. She is so excited to work with the team at Turning Green to help create a brighter future for our planet and inspire our generation to take action.

Lauren Daley

Rising Senior, New York University

Lauren is studying both Environmental Studies and Politics at NYU, putting their focus on a future career involving environmental justice and policy. Throughout their time in New York, they’ve volunteered with food kitchens, social justice campaigns, and ecological research projects, fueling their passion for the field. After undergrad, they hope to find themselves on Capitol Hill, shaping the future of environmental legislation. In their free time, they’ll usually be listening to music, running around with their camera, or flexing their knowledge of local bird species to their friends.

Lili Wilson

Rising Senior, University of Minnesota

Lili is a rising senior at the University of Minnesota majoring in Strategic Communication with a minor in Sustainability Studies. Moving to Minneapolis her freshman year boosted her interest in sustainability and climate change. She is passionate about teaching others how they can implement sustainability into their everyday routines. Talking with those like-minded on campus made her realize how easily some eco-friendly changes can be made. She hopes to use her time as an intern to help Turning Green educate youth on how they can live more sustainable lives.

Mallory Hricovec

Rising Senior, The Ohio State University

Mallory is a rising senior at The Ohio State University studying sustainability in business. She hopes to gain knowledge from Turning Green that she can share with others at her university to help create conscious efforts for sustainability.

Quinn Doyle

Rising Junior, Temple University

Quinn is a Political Science major and Professional Writing student at Temple University. She is passionate about Philadelphia's economic development and sustainable development policies. She is passionate about cleaning the city and bringing green spaces to communities to improve public safety and economic development. She plans to attend graduate school to complete her master's in public policy. In her free time, Quinn loves spending time with her boyfriend and friends, working out, and playing music.

Sistine Noel

Rising Senior, Santa Clara University

Sistine is majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Biology, focusing on research and data analytics in sustainability. She is passionate about research-based findings and analytical processes. Her love for the earth and interest in the intersection of the environment and social justice drive her to apply her analytical skills to uncover explanations for various social and environmental issues and turn her findings into visual diagrams for educational purposes. She is also very interested in which forms of advocacy and education are most effective at producing real change and understanding why. She hopes that answering this question will lead to more effective advocacy methods that can create a movement of positive change. In her free time, Sistine loves to be outdoors, playing soccer, sunbathing, and swimming.

Tatum Vaccaro

Rising Junior, New York University

Tatum is a junior majoring in Food Studies and minoring in Spanish at New York University. She has worked on urban farms growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, which is where her love of community building through farming began. She is extremely passionate about addressing food justice through regenerative agricultural practices and food education. She hopes to improve healthy food access and the health of the environment through healing the food system.

Winter/Spring 2024 INTERNS & FELLOWS

Jadyn Ngui

BA, University of California Davis

Jadyn is studying Design at UC Davis. Through work experiences and college courses, Jadyn has developed a passion for environmental justice, food accessibility, wellness, and nutrition. She is excited to work as an intern on Turning Green’s Conscious Kitchen team and use visually appealing designs to educate others on building a more sustainable and healthy future for people and the planet.

Kiren Bengard

Senior, UC Berkeley

Kiran is majoring in Conservation and Resource Studies and minoring in Public Policy and Food Systems at UC Berkeley. She is passionate about the intersection of organic agriculture, environmental justice, policy, and culture. Specifically, she is passionate about how policy can be used to make food systems more sustainable and alleviate social inequities caused by environmental issues. After graduation, Kiran hopes to attend law school and become an environmental lawyer. In her free time, Kiran loves to bake, crochet, hike, and explore local coffee shops.

Racheal Timothy

Freshman, John's Hopkins University

Racheal is majoring in Neuroscience with a concentration in behavioral biology and minoring in environmental science. Born and raised in Nigeria, Racheal's education at a Jesuit college instilled in her a strong value for volunteering and community engagement. During her time there, she spearheaded initiatives such as organizing the first Earth Day celebration in her school and extending her projects through 'Recycle Log,' showcasing her dedicated advocacy for sustainability. Beyond her academic endeavors, Racheal finds joy in designing and channels her creative energy as a media manager for 'The Hop’ student organization for programming organization. In this role, she actively contributes to the planning and promotion of various campus events, highlighting her passion for both creativity and community involvement.

Ritu Gupta

Graduate Student, New York University

Ritu is pursuing a Master's degree in Project Management at NYU, blending a background in Electronics and Computer Engineering. She’s had the privilege of volunteering with the Akanksha Foundation in Mumbai, where she dedicated her efforts to fostering quality education for underprivileged children. Alongside this, her passion for environmental sustainability has led her to initiate small-scale programs during the pandemic to promote eco-consciousness. In my leisure time, she indulges in activities like reading, cycling, and experimenting with new culinary creations.

Christiana Jemiri

Senior, American University

Christiana is a senior, majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Sustainability. She's passionate about making sustainable living affordable, accessible, and equitable for all. She believes in the importance of educating and informing others about creating sustainable and conscious choices. Her past work has been heavily based on community outreach, planning, and ensuring that communities are listened to and represented when creating resilient communities. What drew her to Turning Green is their investment in educating the youth about the importance of living a sustainable lifestyle.

Kenny Mai

Freshman, Wesleyan University

Kenny is planning on studying Educational Studies and Computer Science at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Working in his community music center’s advancement department, Kenny has developed a passion for fundraising and the field of non-profit advancement work. He is eager to engage with the intersection of sustainability and education with Turning Green’s Project Green Challenge. Kenny serves on his school’s Green Fund Committee and his passion lies in supporting environmentally friendly and sustainable projects benefiting both the Wesleyan and Middletown communities. In his free time, Kenny enjoys long walks, listening to music, reading, playing volleyball, and watching sports.

Annalise Gallagher

Senior, Macalester College

Annalise is a senior Environmental Studies major at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Growing up in Chicago, she became interested in exploring issues related to environmental justice within the urban areas. Annalise seeks to understand the causes of food scarcity, air and water quality inequity, and ineffective public transportation systems to develop holistic solutions toward more equitably sustainable cities. In her free time, she volunteers with her school’s non-profit farm share, which brings fresh and local produce to students at more affordable prices than grocery shops.

Patrick Dela Cruz

Senior, San Jose State University

Patrick is majoring in Public Health with a minor in Nutrition and Food Science. With experience in healthcare, he values communication and is passionate about promoting healthy living and environmental sustainability. Outside of academics, Patrick enjoys hanging out with friends, trying new foods, and playing video games. He is excited to contribute to the internship and learn more about making a positive impact on both health and the environment.

Tate Peterson

Senior, Davidson College

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Tate studies Biology and Genomics at Davidson College in North Carolina. He is a junior with an interest in the natural sciences and education, and hopes to do fieldwork research in the future. After a semester abroad in Panama learning about ecology and environmental sustainability, Tate returned to campus looking for new ways to get involved in environmental initiatives. These special interests are what led him to Turning Green, where he will be working as an intern for the Spring 2024 semester.

Melanie York

BA, University of Virginia

Melanie is a recent graduate from University of Virginia with degrees in Environmental Science and History, and works as a part of the PGC Outreach team at Turning Green. She conducted historical preservation and geology research at university. Her passion for understanding the histories of everyday people combined with her interest in sustainability is what brought her to pursue environmental justice work after graduation. In her free time, she likes to hike, read, and play tabletop games.

Fall 2023 INTERNS & FELLOWS

Emily Yellen

BA, Towson University

Emily is a recent graduate of Towson University where she studied Political Science and Sociology as a member of the Honors College. Her hands-on experiential service learning and thought-provoking research developed her literacy in international relations, civic cooperation, social institutions and behaviors, and equitable education. Her minor in Sociology inspires her to mobilize social change using strategic tools among like-minded, localized populations. She is thrilled to apply this perspective in her work with Turning Green while engaging with climate-passionate students within their own communities by providing knowledge of sustainability and collective action. Being from Long Island, New York, Emily loves spending time at the beach during any season. In her free time she enjoys crocheting gifts for her friends, and is proud to be creative-minded, eclectic, and kind.

Christian Bernstein

Senior, Loyola Marymount University

Christian is studying political science at Loyola Marymount University in Southern California. Through non-profit and volunteer work Christian has developed a strong passion for social and climate justice issues, with a focus on wildlife protection and future aspirations in the field of environmental law. As a passionate vegan and animal lover, Christian has brought his personal dedication towards wildlife issues to his work as a summer intern on Turning Green's Project Green Challenge writing team and will continue working with the PGC team this fall.

Olivia Zhang (she/her)

Freshman, University of Florida

Olivia grew up in South Florida where she found her passion for climate justice and civic engagement. She hopes to apply her studies in geography, data science, and environmental justice & policy to support community-centered initiatives through research and storytelling. As an artist, Olivia embraces creativity in everything she does, from designing posters to making maps and visualizations from data. She is excited to learn and grow as an intern with Turning Green!

Summer 2023 INTERNS & FELLOWS

Emily Yellen

BA, Towson University

Aditi Sharma (she/her)

Rising Junior, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Aditi is studying Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and Journalism. I am a passionate and dedicated activist for social justice and equity. She found her passion in community organizing by recognizing that even the smallest of actions can have boundless impacts. Throughout her work, she has gained a deep understanding that injustices are intersectional. After working for State Representative Carol Ammons’ and researching environmental legislation, she realized that environmental justice is a pathway of activism that she is eager to explore and contribute to. Environmental justice goes hand in hand with racial justice, social, and economic justice. She is passionate about our planet and its people, and looks forward to sharing her perspectives and learning from others through Turning Green. She is excited to create a positive impact and take the necessary steps in building a more sustainable and equitable Earth.

Alex Szmyd (she/her)

Rising Junior, University of Chicago

Alex is double majoring in Environmental and Urban Studies and Public Policy. She grew up in Chicago and is dedicated to learning about Environmental Justice and implementing it in her community. Her previous internship at Common Unity Property gave her the opportunity to help the doubled-up and homeless population in Chicago. In the future, she hopes to further advocate for communities in climate-sensitive areas through policy and activism. In her spare time, she loves to crochet, cook, and learn about homesteading in urban environments.

Alexa Fraiman (she/her)

Rising Sophomore, Bryn Mawr College

Alexa intends to major in Environmental Studies and Sociology, combining her interests of how people and societal expectations interact amidst environmental concerns. Over the years, Alexa’s desire to learn more about the environment and sustainability grew as she began discovering toxins in everyday products. She wants to help make products, food, and regulations that are better for our health and the planet. As someone who enjoys cooking, she is more than excited to join the Conscious Kitchen team to spread their message and nutritious food. She also is excited to help further foster communities, so we all can be resilient together. In her personal life and in school, Alexa wants to continue learning more about what needs to be done to tackle pressing environmental concerns. In her free time, she enjoys ceramics, petting her cats, and listening to podcasts.

Ashley Xu

Rising Sophomore, University of Texas at Austin

Ashley is studying a dual degree program in Architecture and Architectural Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. She is very passionate about the intersection between sustainability and architecture in affordable housing. At school, she was a member of the Climate Leaders Advisory Board, and volunteered at the UT Outpost, a free food pantry and a career closet for all students, for a semester. In addition, she completed the Project Green Challenge 2022 and became a finalist to participate in the four-day educational conference in San Francisco, in addition to meeting amazing, diverse individuals and mentors to create her Climate Action Plan.

Christian Bernstein

Rising Senior, Loyola Marymount University

Ciara Tang

Rising Sophomore, University of California, Berkeley

Ciara is majoring in Society and Environment and minoring in Public Policy. She is extremely passionate about environmental justice, environmental conservation and protection, clean energy, and sustainable urban development. In the future she hopes to attend law school and become an environmental lawyer. In her free time Ciara loves to read, go on runs, listen to music, hang out with friends, and get iced matcha lattes.

Daniel Kogan

Rising Senior, Haverford College

Daniel is working towards a degree in Environmental Studies with a focus in Food Sustainability and a minor in Creative Writing. He is passionate about alternative food sources and finding new ways to better utilize Earth’s natural resources while preserving its wide variety of flora and fauna. He is an avid lover of wildlife, particularly birds, and runs the Ornithological Society at Haverford. Daniel hopes to find a career path that combines his love of food and writing.

Julia Lugos (she/they)

Rising Senior, Seattle University

Julia is majoring in Design and double minoring in Environmental Studies and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. She is very passionate about using art and visual communication to explain, educate, and empower others in understanding social issues. Julia is particularly passionate about understanding the ways that environmental issues intersect with race, class, and gender. In their free time, Julia loves jewelry making, hiking, and all things arts and crafts.

Lamoussa Tapsoba (she/they)

Georgetown University

Lamoussa is studying Justice and Peace Studies and French. Throughout her time at Georgetown, Lamoussa has taken classes on the climate crisis and has found a passion for sustainability and environmental justice. She has been able to tie in environmental justice and activism to her degree and hopes to continue this work outside of the classroom. She is excited to join the Turning Green Conscious Campus team and learn more about global environmental activism and outreach. Prior to Turning Green, Lamoussa worked as a Sustainability intern for their university, researching and analyzing data to help write Georgetown's sustainability plan. In their free time, you can find them hanging out with friends, watching their favorite TV shows, or attempting to crochet.

Meredith Boldman (she/her)

Rising Senior, George Washington University

Meredith is studying Anthropology and Communication. She was born and raised in Florida, where she spent most of her time at the beach and around nature. This upbringing has formed her interest in preserving the environment and mitigating climate change's effects. Her major in Anthropology focuses on human experiences and culture, and she hopes to engage with how people view, experience, and communicate with each other about social issues such as climate change and how they work to inspire individual and large-scale change. Sophie looks forward to applying this interest to Turning Green's work and working with others toward collective action.

Ngoc Truong (she/they)

Rising Junior, University of California, Berkeley

Ngoc is majoring in Environmental Science with a social science concentration and minoring in South and Southeast Asian studies at UC Berkeley. She grew up in Riverside but was born in Binh Thuan, Vietnam where she initially found her love for the environment and conservation. Hiking, crocheting, and pottery are some of the many hobbies she has taken up.

Raven Garrard, MPSA

Texas A&M University

Raven is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s of Public Service and Administration. Raven grew up in rural Tennessee, where they developed a passion for the outdoors. In their spare time, they enjoy volunteering for the community and hiking. Raven hopes to have a career in policy formation and create legislation that will benefit underserved communities.

Sadie Arneson

Rising Sophomore, University of California Irvine

Sadie is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science and Policy. Born and raised in San Francisco — now living in Marin County — she grew up surrounded by nature, and she cultivated a deep love for animals and the environment. This profound appreciation has served as the driving force behind her desire to protect and restore the environment for present and future generations. During her time at UCI, she is eager to learn more about sustainable urban development and climate resilience, as well as innovative solutions to create greener and more resilient cities for future generations. In her free time, Sadie enjoys lounging in her hammock at the park, discovering new music on Spotify, exploring nearby trails in Laguna and Newport Beach.

Sophie Reif (she/her)

Rising Senior, Smith College

Sophie is studying Sociology and Landscape Studies. Although she was raised in New York City, Sophie cultivated her love for the environment through her experience working on a farm throughout her childhood. She is passionate about environmental sociology with a particular interest in food sustainability and food justice. Sophie has worked on several projects with the goal of spreading awareness about issues of food justice and environmental racism within her community. In her free time, Sophie enjoys hiking, cooking, kayaking, and crocheting.

Winter 2023 INTERNS & FELLOWS

Gabriela Nahm

Junior, Davidson College

Gabriela is a junior at Davidson College studying environmental studies and communications. She has been with Turning Green since the summer of 2021, when she joined as a summer communications intern. She continued into the fall as a Teaching Assistant for the Project Green Course, and then as the Turning Green Fellow the following spring. During her semester abroad in Buenos Aires, she discovered her passion for food justice. Upon returning home Gabriela joined the Conscious Kitchen team in December as a Conscious Kitchen Fellow to learn more about designing sustainable and equitable food systems.

Emily Yellen

BA, Towson University

Emily is a recent graduate from Towson University where she studied Political Science and Sociology as a member of the Honors College. Her hands-on experiential service learning and thought-provoking research developed her literacy in international relations, civic cooperation, social institutions and behaviors, and equitable education. Her minor in Sociology inspires her to mobilize social change using strategic tools among like-minded, localized populations. She is thrilled to apply this perspective in her work with Turning Green while engaging with climate-passionate students within their own communities by providing knowledge of sustainability and collective action. Being from Long Island, New York, Emily loves spending time at the beach during any season. In her free time she enjoys crocheting gifts for her friends, and is proud to be creative-minded, eclectic, and kind.

Gabriella Calimlim

Sophomore, New York University

Marisol Guzman

Senior, University of California, Berkeley

Marisol is a senior at the University of California Berkeley studying Nutritional Science with a concentration in Dietetics and a minor in Food Systems. Marisol’s experiences growing up in an environment where nutrition wasn't a first priority have shaped her passion for advocating for nutritional awareness and the implementation of hands-on nutrition education and engagement in the lives of young children. Marisol has previously worked with the BUSD Cooking and Gardening Program in administering nutrition and gardening education at Ruth Acty Elementary and hopes to continue looking at the intersection of nutrition and environmental sustainability with Turning Green through the Conscious Kitchen Program. After graduating, Marisol hopes to pursue an MPH with a nutrition education and/or community health focus.

FALL 2022 INTERNS & FELLOWS

Alicia Swinton

MPH, University of Alabama

Alicia is a graduate from Fayetteville State University where she received a B.S. in Chemistry graduating magna cum laude. Currently enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham pursuing an MPH degree with a concentration of maternal and child health policy. As a current member of the Maternal & Child Health Student Association, Alicia has the passion to resolve complex public health problems relating to child obesity, social and environmental injustices, health inequalities, and pollution to name a few. Alicia desires to be an obstetrician gynecologist where she will utilize her platform to be an advocate to fight for change in a healthcare setting.

SUMMER 2022 INTERNS

Aimee Tsang

Sophomore, Cornell University

Aimee is a rising sophomore at Cornell University studying Chemistry & Chemical Biology with a minor in Environment & Sustainability. She is from the California Bay Area and grew up with a love for nature that has since developed into a desire to protect the Earth’s resources. At school she is a member of Sustainable Education, a project team oriented around sustainable architecture, and in the future hopes to research biodegradable polymers. Outside of academics, Aimee enjoys reading in her hammock, exploring nearby hiking trails, slacklining, and going to the farmer’s market.

AJ Yuan

BS, UC Davis

AJ is a recent graduate from UC Davis, where he studied Environmental Science. Both of his parents were environmental scientists in Delaware, which inspired him to also pursue a career in the field. AJ is passionate about uplifting communities inequitably impacted by climate change, and hopes to become an environmental lawyer. He is currently also canvassing for Environment California in Oakland, and in his free time AJ loves to do fencing, take pictures of sunsets, and make Spotify playlists.

Avery Fratto

Sophomore, University of Southern California

Avery is a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California. She's currently getting a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Studies as well as a minor in Economics. She is the Event Coordinator for the Science Policy group on her campus, a student organization that seeks to promote and advocate for the important intersections of research and public policy. She's a vegan, an animal-lover, and is passionate about creating meaningful environmental change through both policy as well as consumer behavior. In her free time she can be found out with friends, reading a good book, or working as a tour guide at USC.

Damya Srivastava

Junior, Forest Research Institute (India)

Damya is studying Forestry at FRI, pursuing a major in Plantation Economics with a research thesis on the same. Born and raised in India, she has a long cultivated interest in environmental issues with a focus on sustainable technologies which are concepts of increasing importance in the world. She took up Biology in high school, Botany in graduation and Forestry in post-graduation – to move into the field of preservation, from a scientist’s perspective. The diverse and collaborative projects in Turning Green are what most attracted her; and she hopes to learn new skills and make life-long friends here.

Davis Block

Senior, Colby College

Davis is a rising senior at Colby College studying Environmental Studies Computation. He was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and spent many summers at Acadia National Park in Maine. As a sailing instructor there, he developed an affinity for the locally conserved lands and wished for the next generation to be able to embrace them as well. He is intrigued by environmental policy and would love to see sustainable design emphasized. Davis looks forward to potentially working in the data analysis sector to help further his fight for the environment.

Elizabeth Lockerby

Senior, Dominican University of California

Elizabeth is pursuing a double major in microbiology and psychology with a chemistry minor at Dominican University of California. She has always been interested in integrating green practices into her everyday life and into her community. Elizabeth uses experimental research, another of her passions, to build solid foundations for stories that promote green lifestyles. She completed two theses in the course of her studies: the first involved determining whether compost was a viable means of carbon sequestration in her county, and the second looked at how access to greenspace can impact student stress and academic performance. Elizabeth hopes to continue inspiring her local and global community to make changes that better themselves and the environment.

Ella Widmann

Sophomore, Grinnell College

Ella is a rising 2nd year at Grinnell College majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Environmental Studies. Learning about environmental justice as a form of social justice has fundamentally changed the way she views the world, and she is so excited to apply those learnings to the work of Turning Green. She is originally from Colorado and is a big advocate for collaborative thinking. In her free time, Ella can be found laying in the sun, eating bagels, and reading creative nonfiction.

Fiona Kubalak

Sophomore, Scripps College

Fiona is a rising sophomore at Scripps College. She has not yet declared a major because she loves so many different things but will most likely dual major in Media Studies and Art with a minor in Environmental Studies. Fiona grew up in Seattle Washington and was surrounded by sustainability projects and climate action initiatives from a young age. Throughout high school she developed a passion for climate activism and making her life as sustainable as possible. She hopes to make the Scripps campus a more sustainable place over the next three years, continue to support local climate justice policies, and incorporate climate activism into her art. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at a local farm with her friends, playing board games, drawing, and reading graphic novels.

Jen Kunz

Sophomore, American University

Jen is a rising sophomore at American University, pursuing an interdisciplinary public affairs degree with a minor in environmental science. Going on road trips and visiting national parks (Glacier is her favorite!) as she grew up gave her a love for the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. She is deeply passionate about the importance of advocacy and policy to protect and restore the environment for future generations. In her free time, Jen can be found baking cookies, reading comic books, playing board games, and drinking coffee.

Jen Mynard

Senior, The College of Wooster

Jen is a rising senior at the College of Wooster with a double major in Art History and Environmental Studies. Within her Environmental Studies Major, Jen focuses on food and waste systems. As a Hoboken, NJ native, Jen has grown up in a concrete jungle and wants to learn how to create meaningful solutions within her urban community at home and rural community at college. Going into her senior year, she is excited to focus on her Independent Study capstone project centered around the barriers and solutions to making sustainable architecture accessible and affordable. She is active on campus as a member of several clubs including the Environmental Justice Coalition, the Greenhouse Club, the Shades of Gold Acapella Group, and the Women's Rugby team. When not in classes or working at the library, you can find Jen reading fiction, painting bad self-portraits, or making a mess in the kitchen.

Jerry Dai

Sophomore, University of California, Davis

Peijie Dai (“Jerry”) is a rising sophomore at UC Davis majoring in Environmental Science & Management. He enjoys working on the Sustainable Development Goals because he is motivated to promote and protect those things he values most in this world, including the environment, animal life, and human rights. He tries to keep this work in perspective by focusing on one step at a time, contributing bit by bit towards a better world for all people. Growing up in a different country, Jerry gained a global mindset after coming to the U.S. to study.

Margarita Niemann

Senior, California State University of Sacramento

Margarita is currently a 4th year student at the California State University of Sacramento studying Political Science and Chicanx/Latinx studies. Growing up in the quickly urbanizing city of Elk Grove, Margarita became greatly interested in learning about the damaging effects of urbanization on both the community and the environment, particularly focusing on its disproportionate impacts on minority neighborhoods. As a half-Mexican, half-Irish and Scottish woman, she also advocates for education and immigration reform to work towards obtaining social justice for the Chicanx/Latinx community through education and immigration reform. In her free time, Margarita enjoys attempting new vegan recipes, running/ hiking in nature, and playing with her three dogs.

Olivia Kilborn

Junior, Middlebury College

Olivia is a rising Junior at Middlebury College studying International & Global Studies with a focus in environmental change and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, she is fascinated by the relationship between climate health, public health, and urban environments. As an intern at the Knoll—Middlebury’s student-run sustainable garden—she is passionate about facilitating conversations on food justice and BIPOC accessibility to the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking in the Cascades, language learning, reading, and gardening.

Olivia Murphy

Junior, University of Michigan

Olivia is a junior at the University of Michigan majoring in Environmental studies and Spanish. She is passionate about the intersection of climate justice and law and policy as she hopes to one day practice Environmental law. In the meantime, she is focused on learning the intricacies of sustainability as it relates to urban planning and food justice through the Graham sustainability scholars program at her university. She also co-leads her University’s chapter of Students Helping Honduras, an organization committed to education-based, community-driven global development. In her free time Olivia enjoys running, reading and spending time with her friends.

Reily Fairchild

Sophomore, University of California, Los Angeles

Reily is a rising sophomore at UCLA, pursuing a major in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society. Born and raised in San Francisco, she was exposed to the power of urban expansion in cooperation with technological advancement. Additionally, she spent her childhood exploring the wonders of the California flora and fauna surrounding the San Francisco peninsula, and fell in love with the idea of orienting her future towards protecting the Earth. With interests in renewable energy and food systems, Reily is excited to be apart of the Turning Green team to experience the positive impact that community-based, sustainably focused organizations can achieve. Prior to Turning Green, she has worked as an educator and as a member of UCLA’s Sustainability Action Research, analyzing energy inefficient practices within the student dormitories. She leads her life with an open outlook of all possibilities, and loves to rock climb, play guitar, cook vegan meals, and paint.

Tenaya Fottrell

Sophomore, Smith College

Tenaya (she/they pronouns) is a rising sophomore pursuing bachelor's degrees in Medieval Studies and English Literature at Smith College. Born and raised in Oakland, California, she found a passion for environmental activism at a young age and served as a student eco educator throughout high school. They are thrilled to return to the environmental justice sphere and share their passion for the natural world with others through Turning Green. In her spare time, she loves to explore the outdoors through hiking, camping, and backpacking as well as play tabletop games, sing, and train martial arts.

Tiffany Chan

Junior, University of California, Los Angeles

Tiffany will be a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall of 2022. She is currently working towards her degree in Geography/Environmental Studies, while minoring in Conservation Biology and Geographic Information Systems & Technology. The topics of GIS, food sustainability, and environmental protection are particularly fascinating to her, and she hopes to pursue a career in the intersection of these fields. Born and raised in California, Tiffany enjoys spending time in nature and particularly values the aesthetic nature of flowers. Outside of academics, she can be found baking, creating playlists, painting, and exploring new places.

FALL/WINTER 2021 FELLOWS & INTERNS

Caralee Ellis | Conscious Kitchen Fellow

Senior, University of California Berkeley

Caralee is a senior at the University of California Berkeley where she is studying Society and Environment with a minor in Food Systems. Since the beginning of her academic career she has had a strong passion for sustainability that drove her to lead various student organizations advocating for environmental and social justice. She believes in leading by example and tries to live as sustainably as possible while inspiring others to do the same. Caralee is currently an intern with Conscious Kitchen and hopes to continue working in the field of sustainability in any way she can make meaningful change upon her graduation. Outside of academics, she loves vegan cooking, picnics, hiking, and rock climbing.

Lucy Yoshioka | Conscious Kitchen Fellow

University of California Los Angeles

Lucy is a senior at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is currently studying geography and environmental studies, with minors in GIS and urban and regional studies. As a southern California native who has lived in city environments her whole life, she is interested in finding ways to incorporate green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning into our built environments, while addressing social justice issues. She is deeply passionate about using her privilege and skill sets gained through my education to help others in ways both large and small. She also loves to stay active and spend time exercising or exploring outdoors. She is a four year member of the UCLA DragonBoat team and loves to paddle in Long Beach on the weekends for training with her teammates. Paddling through the gorgeous marine environments in California has strengthened her commitment to creating a clean future for others, and her team has shared that same vision by hosting beach clean-ups in the past. In her free time Lucy can be found at the gym, reading, writing poetry, drawing in her bullet journal, or visiting a local farmer's market.

Kenna Clawson | Conscious Kitchen Intern

University of California Berkeley

Kenna is in her final year at UC Berkeley studying Nutritional Science. After learning about the substantial amount of food waste in America and taking a class about the food practices across many different cultures, she was inspired to get involved in changing the food system in America. This is what led her to the Conscious Kitchen and she has thoroughly enjoyed working on this team - being inspired daily, seeing real change happen, and everything revolves around a more equitable, sustainable, and FLOSN food future. Kenna has been moved by Turning Green peers, leaders, and supporters alike, all with the vision of a bright future and taking action to get there.

Andrew Fu | Conscious Kitchen Intern

Stony Brook University, Freshman

Andrew is a first-year student at Stony Brook University studying Health Sciences with a minor in Asian Studies. His journey began in the bustling streets of New York City. Working at GrowNYC Farmstands, he saw firsthand the devastation food apartheid wreaks on communities of color and how social determinants of health intersect with environmental justice, food justice, and sustainability. He learned about the relationship between healthy food, healthy humans, and a healthy planet, and wants to create change through food. He is working with the Conscious Kitchen team to transform the current paradigm of food as a commodity into one that celebrates food as an ambassador for culture, community, and the environment. In his free time, he enjoys powerlifting and playing guitar.

Olivia Graham | Conscious Kitchen Intern

University of Michigan, Junior

Olivia is a junior at the University of Michigan studying Community and Global Public Health, with a minor in Food in the Environment. After she graduates, she wants to pursue her masters in Nutritional Sciences with the goal of working for food and nutritional justice within marginalized communities. She is passionate about advocating for a sustainable, balanced and exciting diet for all people. In her free time, Olivia enjoys listening to podcasts, cooking new meals, and playing board games with her friends.