Our Future Depends on these Youth Leaders
Here are a few of the young people we've supported this year, not just mentorship and rich experiences, but also financially, as camp counselors, paid interns, and youth directors. We are here for them, and they give us the inspiration to be here for everyone.
NYELA WAISS: Bilingual Nature Intern
Nyela is a recent Graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a degree in Political Science focused on public administration and policy. She worked for several years at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, expanding her interest in nature and conservation. At ECI, Nyela works directly with our bilingual after school club, Proyecto Sol and is eager to teach youth about the different ways to care for and protect our environment. She also brought her organizing experience to support our get out the vote campaign this fall.
ISABEL REINA: Latino/x/e Relationships Intern
Isa joined the ECI team a year ago to work with her mentor, Miranda Frautso, on outreach in the Latino/e/x community. As a first generation student, she has been learning what it means to be involved. From Climate Camp and Proyecto SOL, to getting out the vote and training other youth, Isa has gained direct experience as an environmental educator and organizer. In her own words "Earth Charter Indiana has been my rock and I am so grateful to be working alongside this amazing team with people who have my best interest in mind."
RAINA MAIGA: YEPT Director & Brower Youth Award Recipient
As the first person from Indiana to win the Brower Youth Award award from the Earth Island Institute, Raina is a proven leader in youth environmental advocacy. Youth Environmental Press Team is only one of the many ways she raises awareness about the climate crisis. Raina credit’s YEPT with building her confidence in speaking up, asking questions, and working with others who care about making the world better.
VEDA THANGUDU: Earth Charter Indiana Intern
Veda has been passionate about climate solutions and uplifting young voices from a very young age. As a high school in Fishers, IN she used this passion to help lead our Youth Environmental Press Team. She now channels her energy toward a Biology degree at Purdue University where she is part of the John Martinson Honors College. Her long-term goal is to contribute to science through research. We’re honored that Veda decided to stay with ECI as an intern during college.
MORGAN TROWBRIDGE: YEPT Director
Through the Youth Environmental Press team, Morgan connected with peers who are equally as passionate about the environment as she is and found a place where she knows her voice is heard and valued. This program gave her an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by educating others on the climate crisis. YEPT allows students all over Indiana to advocate for a future where we take care of our environment.
We are focused on the lives of young people and their prospects for a clean and thriving, livable planet. Most of the news lately has been grim. With heavy hearts, we are reaffirming our love and support for each other, and extending that support to you as well.