Ada is a junior majoring in Environmental Studies. Raised in Eugene, Oregon, she comes from an Indigenous background of Zapotec people who are rooted in their connection to the earth, and she attributes this as the inspiration for her work. As an Environmental Studies major, Ada joined the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) because of her commitment to bridging gaps between under-served communities in environmental spaces. Through ELP, she aims to strengthen her career aspirations by focusing on community-based solutions to creating equitable, lasting change.  

Grace is a third-year student double majoring in Environmental Studies and Planning, Public Policy and Management with a minor in Sustainable Business. She was inspired to join ELP because she believes in the program's mission and knows first-hand just how impactful environmental education can be for students. After graduation in 2026, Grace hopes to use her education and the skills she has gained to work in sustainable resource management. 

Isa is a third-year student studying psychology, environmental studies and science communication. Isa, inspired by passionate mentors guiding her through Oregon's old growth forests, is honored to be a part of the ELP and pass on knowledge about these magical ecosystems and their unique connection to climate change. After graduating from University of Oregon, Isa plans to continue advocating for environmental stewardship, sustainable land management and fostering excitement about our beautiful world! 

Ayden is a third-year student majoring in Environmental Studies. He is enthusiastic about outdoor pursuits for all ages and backgrounds, and strongly believes that environmental education and exposure to nature are critical in developing a healthy relationship to the natural world. He joined ELP knowing that the program supports his environmental values and is eager to build connections, and use his experience through ELP to help bring people outside building their relationship to nature.

Kenia is an Environmental Studies major with minors in Sustainable Business and Nonprofit Administration, set to graduate with the class of 2026. Through the ELP program, she is building meaningful personal and professional connections while sharing her deep passion for nature. Kenia hopes to inspire curiosity in young children about climate change and the vital connections between people and the environment, encouraging them to explore the world of science. After completing her degree, she plans to join the Peace Corps before pursuing a career in Environmental Law.

Natalie Mathis is an Advertising major and Sociology minor at the University of Oregon. She aspires to work for a nonprofit that advocates for social issues through event planning and outreach. The ELP has strengthened her facilitation skills and has allowed her to intersect the things she loves: human connection and the outdoors. The program has taught her the importance of outdoor education, as it is a gateway to environmental stewardship. After all, it’s these experiences that foster personal relationships and care. This experience helps inform the kind of work she wants to do in the future. 

Jake is a fourth-year student studying Environmental Science at the University of Oregon. The Environmental Leadership Program has provided him an opportunity to inspire a love for the natural world in local youth, as he had been inspired by similar programs growing up in Eugene. Collaborating with his team has taught him valuable communication and facilitation skills, essential for engaging students and fostering stewardship. After college, he plans to gain more hands-on experience in the field of environmental science, working towards improving environmental quality and equitable sustainability.   

Charlotte is a fourth-year student majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis on sustainability and minors in Economics and Environmental Studies. Fueled by a deep childhood love of nature and an undying belief that there is hope for our planet, she joined the ELP to build her management and facilitation skills, strengthen the youth’s connection to nature, and inspire the creation of a better future. After graduating in 2025, she hopes to use her education and experience gleaned from ELP to leverage business as a tool for positive environmental and social good and help reduce corporate and household climate impacts. 

As a fourth year Environmental Studies major, Viviain brings a passion for centering queer, indigenous, disabled, black and brown history, voices, and experiences to the Environmental Leadership team. She joined the team as a way to make a meaningful impact in connecting students with the environment and spent much of her time expanding the program to serve middle and high school Life Skills classrooms. Upon graduating from the University of Oregon, she hopes to bring her knowledge back to her hometown of Klamath Falls with a focus on connecting people to the land in a manor that focuses on accessibility. 

Maddy is a third-year student at the University of Oregon double-majoring in Environmental Science and Economics. While growing up in Ventura County, California, several fires made her aware of the very real consequences of climate change. She joined the Environmental Leadership Team with the goal of fostering a love of nature in students because she believes one of the most effective ways to combat climate change is to bring awareness to the topic in a science-based setting. Maddy wants to use her professionally developed skills, such as facilitation, collaboration, and curriculum implementation, in future careers geared towards environmental economics.