I am deeply passionate about protecting the environment because I see firsthand how human and natural systems are interconnected, and how vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges and climate change. Growing up as a Colombian-American Latina, I have always been aware of the ways in which environmental issues intersect with social and economic inequities. This perspective drives my commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of environmental degradation and climate impacts, particularly in urban systems where planning decisions can either mitigate or exacerbate these effects. My studies in environmental science with a concentration in urban development have given me the tools to analyze how infrastructure, transportation, and land use influence sustainability. Courses in environmental planning, sustainable development, and intercultural communications have equipped me to approach environmental challenges holistically, while my internships and co-op experiences have allowed me to apply this knowledge in real-world contexts. As a Trails and Greenways Planner with the Department of Conservation & Recreation, I have seen how thoughtful public planning can enhance access to green space, promote sustainable land use, and foster community resilience. I am also thrilled about my upcoming Clean Energy internship with Green Energy Consumers, where I will gain firsthand experience in consumer advocacy and the promotion of renewable energy solutions. Additionally, my study abroad dialogue in Japan will allow me to research transportation systems and explore how cities abroad integrate sustainable mobility solutions, giving me valuable insights into designing resilient and low-carbon urban systems. In February, I will participate in a project with RFI in Ecuador, helping rebuild a community devastated by earthquakes. This opportunity excites me not only because I will contribute directly to environmental and social recovery but also because I will learn from local communities about adaptation, resilience, and sustainable rebuilding practices. Being able to witness and support how communities recover while integrating sustainable infrastructure will deepen my understanding of climate resilience and strengthen my ability to contribute meaningfully to environmental solutions in the future. The advice I would give to my family and friends for reducing their carbon footprint is rooted in both practicality and systemic awareness. Small, consistent actions like reducing energy consumption, prioritizing public or shared transportation, minimizing single-use plastics, and choosing plant-forward diets can collectively make a significant difference. Equally important is staying informed, advocating for sustainable policies, and supporting initiatives that push for renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, and environmentally conscious urban planning. By combining individual action with a focus on community and policy, we can create a lasting impact that extends far beyond our personal choices. Ultimately, my passion for protecting the environment is fueled by a desire to contribute to equitable and resilient solutions to climate change. Through my academic pursuits, hands-on internships, co-ops, study abroad, and service projects like the RFI Ecuador initiative, I aim to gain the knowledge, experience, and perspective needed to design and advocate for sustainable systems that benefit both people and the planet. Every opportunity I engage in, whether local or global, allows me to build the skills and connections necessary to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time and inspire others to take meaningful action.

I want to make my mark in the energy industry at the intersection of clean energy, urban development, and community engagement, where technical solutions are paired with meaningful public access and understanding. As an environmental science major with a concentration in urban development, I am particularly interested in how energy systems are designed and implemented in cities, where infrastructure decisions directly shape daily life, public health, and economic opportunity. My current work as a Trails and Greenways Planner with the Department of Conservation & Recreation has shown me how public planning projects impact communities on a tangible level, from accessibility to sustainability, and has strengthened my understanding of how environmental systems intersect with urban life. Beginning in January, I will continue to build this perspective as a Clean Energy Intern with Green Energy Consumers, where I will gain firsthand experience in consumer advocacy, education, and the strategies necessary to promote renewable energy adoption. Through these experiences, I have come to see that energy is not only a technical resource but also a social and equity issue. Energy underpins housing, transportation, healthcare, and education, and yet the way systems are designed can either reinforce disparities or empower communities. As a Latina and first-generation college student, I am particularly aware that many communities, especially communities of color and low-income households, are often left out of energy conversations despite being disproportionately impacted by environmental and climate challenges. This perspective drives my commitment to ensuring that clean energy solutions are not only environmentally sustainable but also culturally accessible and equitably distributed. One of the most critical challenges the energy industry faces is making sure the benefits of the clean energy transition reach all communities. While renewable technologies are advancing rapidly, financial, informational, and structural barriers continue to limit access for many households, risking uneven distribution of benefits. Another pressing challenge is integrating clean energy into dense urban environments in a way that aligns with existing infrastructure, land use, and community needs. My academic focus on urban development and professional experience at DCR have reinforced that energy solutions must be planned holistically, considering how systems interact with housing, transportation, and public spaces. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among engineers, planners, policymakers, and advocates to design solutions that are technically effective and socially responsive. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to an energy sector that centers people as much as innovation, where clean energy is accessible, understandable, and embedded into the everyday life of resilient, equitable, and sustainable cities.