What brought you to this moment in your career where the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) made sense for you?

The SEA made sense for me as I looked to gain more qualifying experience in the sustainability field following my graduation from Muhlenberg College in May of 2022. I majored in both economics and sustainability, but was eager to learn more in depth about the field to better position myself as a sustainability advocate. My previous experience with USGBC's LEED program led me to the ISSP as an avenue of further education to explore. I am particularly interested in the topics and solutions to some of our most challenging issues tied to the climate emergency such as water scarcity and urbanization. 

I appreciate the insights provided to me through the program, and I plan to pursue SEP in the coming years. 

How are you putting the knowledge, skills, and ability demonstrated in the SEA to work in your career (or work) today? 

The most beneficial aspect of the SEA that I bring into my current career is the "big picture" analytical viewpoint of systems thinking. Many issues we face in sustainability involve a lot of moving parts, especially when it comes to approaching impactful legislation. Through my current position and the application of systems thinking I have learned so much about how to elevate ideas and enact change by connecting with local and state government officials, environmental advocacy groups, and community organizations. The Lehigh Valley (previously inhabited by the Lenni Lenape) is one of the fastest growing regions in the state. Its rapid growth only emphasizes the need to put sustainable development at the forefront of it's priorities for the sake of future generations. I hope to continue to advocate for sustainability in the area to the many stakeholders involved and utilize a systems thinking approach to achieve real progress. 

For those starting out in the sustainability field, what advice do you have for them? 

The best advice for those starting out in the field would be to just dive in and get involved in your immediate community as much as possible. Whether that be on your college campus, your local government, or wherever you call home. Attend webinars on issues you are interested in. Join your local environmental advisory council or club. If there is not one, then make it! It is important that the field has a presence in our communities as we transition into the clean energy economy and face the complications caused by the climate crisis. Interacting with people of different perspectives and viewpoints to escape informational echo chambers is a more valuable experience than any education. And most importantly - get out to vote! Encourage others to vote. Knock doors and register people to vote. The people in our communities have the power to leverage our politicians to expedite necessary change. The future generations are depending on us to make these changes now. The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit...