Gener Abdon is a graduating senior with a major in International Security and Conflict Resolution and a double minor in Leadership Development and French. During his time at San Diego State University (Fall 2018-Spring 2022), Gener was involved in Green Love, Climate Action Committee, Senate Sustainability Committee, Strategic Plan planning process, Strategic Plan Activities #15-#17 relating to sustainability, and served as the AASHE STARS intern for the Office of Energy & Sustainability. Read this spotlight to learn about Gener’s journey at SDSU, how his major connects to sustainability, and projects he has undertaken to make positive environmental change.

Jenna Long is a second-year sustainability major with a minor in honors interdisciplinary studies. Her love of the outdoors led her to switch her major to sustainability and pursue a future career helping the environment. Currently, Jenna is a San Diego State campus leader for Seedlings, a multimedia platform focused on positive environmental news and encouragement. Read the spotlight article with Jenna to learn about her sustainability journey, experience being a sustainability major, and work with Seedlings here.

Tasia Meyer is a third-year Environmental Engineering major at San Diego State University. In addition to studying the environment in her major, she has held the position of zero waste intern for the Office of Energy & Sustainability for the past year. Her role includes inputting waste data into a system called SkySpark and working on projects that help SDSU become less wasteful and more sustainable. Keep reading to learn about Tasia's sustainability journey here!

Aly is a third-year sustainability major who is very involved at SDSU! She has held leadership positions in two green organizations on campus: GreenFest chair and Green Love Representative. Her passion for the Earth and skills in leadership and service shine through in this spotlight article! Read more here.

Olivia Humphrey is a senior at San Diego State University. She is very involved with sustainability on campus, not only through her environmental science major and sustainability minor, but also through her leadership positions such as being this year’s Green Love Commissioner. Learn about Olivia’s goals for Green Love, inspiration for her environmentalism, and dream for a sustainable future here.

Kennedy Herbst is a sustainability major at San Diego State University and a community developer for Sullivan Solar Power. She is passionate about renewable energy, philanthropy, yoga, and the many realms of sustainability. In this spotlight, we discuss Kennedy’s sustainability origin story, job with Sullivan Solar Power, philanthropy work, inspiring thoughts on sustainability, and advice for younger students. Read more here.

Advancing sustainability though the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, Green Connections, and The Humble Co. Check out spotlight here.

Environmental Science Student researching pollinators and biodiversity in the College Area Community Garden. Check out spotlight here.

Undergraduate CJ Spears is launching a business that turns plastic waste into fashion items (fanny packs, backpacks, shower caps, etc.). She then will use the profits to build a community center in Ghana for indigenous empowerment. The center will host community cleanups and workshops. Check out her spotlight to join the movement.

Undergraduate Maya interned in Cambodia this summer through a program funded by the Mundt Peace Fellowship! She worked with NGO Culture and Environmental Preservation Association to conserve the forest and develop the ecotourism project there. See how you can have an opportunity like hers through SDSU.

Read more here.

Armando Sepulveda, a sustainable transit advocate, is a SDSU Senior working to improve transportation on and off campus through politics and student engagement. He speaks of university initiatives in context with the goals of the City of San Diego and policymakers. Listen to learn Armando's story and his perspective on transit and the green industry.    

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From dreams of windmill installations at State to engineering his way to help villagers have water, Calvin has a lot going on. In his last year at SDSU, he wants to make a lasting impression that makes an impact. We dove in to learn more about his journey, advice, and current projects.

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Cassie Weinberg and Sabrina Sessarego are The Green Love Commission’s newest leaders for the 2018-2019 school year! Cassie will serve as the new Green Love Commissioner and Green Office Certification intern at Sustainable SDSU. Sabrina will serve as the A.S. Sustainability Representative. Campus Sustainability caught up with both leading ladies to ask them about about their sustainable habits and how they plan to spread sustainable practices at SDSU and in San Diego.

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Theresa Murphy is a Sustainability Major who studied abroad for the 2016-17 Academic Year at Keele University in the United Kingdom. Theresa shares her experience with Sustainable SDSU.

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Madeleine Falco works as the sustainability analyst for the Office of Energy & Sustainability. Her background in marketing, education, and outreach has given her the skills to implement energy conservation and public outreach programs at MiraCosta College, in addition to working with local tribes in San Diego County to develop renewable energy on tribal lands. Now, Madeleine is using her expertise to help SDSU meet its sustainability goals and inspire students, faculty, and staff to reduce waste, use public transportation, and live more sustainably. Read more here.

Professor Monteverde teaches geography and sustainability classes at San Diego State University. Her passion for people, the environment, and helping students shines through in this spotlight where we discuss Professor Monteverde’s love for sustainability, work in storm water, experience teaching, and advice for students. Read more here.

Sharon Cunningham is the senior supervising custodian who is incorporating sustainability in essential services on campus.

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Kotaro Nakamura is a professor and former director of the School of Art and Design. He dives into the indigenous way of living comfortably using the least amount of resources.

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Professor Erlinde Cornelis currently teaches marketing research as an Assistant Professor of Marketing here at the SDSU Fowler College of Business. Erlinde exemplifies a sustainable leader by challenging her students to think critically and ethically about the world around them, especially through the lens of business and marketing. In 2018 and 2017 she was named the Most Influential Professor in Marketing in the Fowler College of Business. Her main area of interest in research is persuasion and people's resistance to it. How do the words "eco" and "green" and "climate" make people feel and act? How can companies and organizations equip themselves with the most effective marketing plan to reach a broader audience to catalyze social and environmental change?

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From doing research in Hawaii and American Samoa to teaching various classes on campus, Dr. Levine has a lot to share with us. Learn more about what she has found through her work and how to get involved with research!

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Debbie Richeson has been the director of Parking and Transportation Services for 13 years and has worked at SDSU in various transportation-related positions for 21 years. She knows plenty when it comes to how students, faculty, and staff get to and around campus. We had a conversation with this transportation expert to learn more about the Red and Black Shuttle, Lyft plans, new parking options, and upcoming plans for SDSU.

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Dining division has shown leadership in College and University Food service sustainability. The initiative is led by Duane Buske, SDSU Dining Senior General Manager of Purchasing and Distribution

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Natalie Louis graduated from San Diego State with a degree in Sustainability in 2021. After graduating, Natalie began working for The Energy Coalition, a non-profit that works on energy efficiency projects in Southern California. Read the spotlight to learn about Natalie’s college and career journey. Read more here.

Brian Macdonald is an SDSU alum who started the first zero waste takeout company in San Diego! Using his business skills and passion for sustainability, Brian founded M’Porte. M’Porte uses endlessly reusable stainless steel containers and partners with restaurants so that customers can get takeout completely zero-waste by using and returning the M’Porte container. Read this spotlight to learn about his journey at SDSU, the development of M’Porte, and his advice for current students here.

Brook Sarson is the co-owner and CEO of CatchingH2O/H2OME, a rainwater catchment and greywater recycling company in San Diego. This company has saved water in our often drought-ridden region and helped people become more water resilient. In this spotlight, learn more about water harvesting and read about Brook’s journey in starting her business, favorite part of her job, and advice for students here.

Charlie Trujillo graduated from SDSU in 2021 with a degree in Sustainability and Computer Engineering. While in college, Charlie was heavily involved in Green Love and joined the San Diego Green Building Council. He is passionate about green buildings and making our built environment as sustainable as it can be! Keep reading to learn about Charlie’s sustainability journey, the start to his career, and his advice for students. Read more here.

McKenna Avery graduated in 2020 with a degree in Sustainability and a minor in Political Science. During her time at SDSU, she worked for the Office of Sustainability, held executive positions in Green Love, and launched a company through ZIP Launchpad. McKenna is now working as a founder of a sustainable feminine hygiene company, Hempress Hygienics. Her passion and care for the environment and its people shine through in this spotlight! Read more here.

Kate is an SDSU alumna who started an upcycled clothing company, Jazzy Mabel. She gives another life to pre-loved clothing through her bright colors and eye-catching designs! Her business is primarily on Instagram @jazzymabel and in a few weeks, her website jazzymabel.com will be available. Read more about sustainability in Kate’s business, her artistic journey, and advice for students here.

Alum Richard Ybarra attended SDSU in the 1970s, later on becoming involved in the Farm Workers’ Movement and the Environmentalist Movement. He is currently the president of the Ybarra Company on Public Affairs. Sharing over 30 years of leadership experience, Ybarra was able to offer valuable advice to help all of the SDSU community in promoting environmentalism and diversity! Read here.

Griffin is an SDSU Alum who graduated in 2010 with a marketing degree. Since graduation, he and his business partner developed a famous jewelry brand, made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and donated to over 175 charities. Then, he talked to us here.

Toni attended an SDSU program on non-profit leadership 15 years ago and is now the CEO of Goodwill Industries of San Diego County. She shares insight on the circular economy model and advice for current students here!

Alum Hana was part of the 1st Sustainability graduating class at SDSU! She now works for The Greenlining Institute as the Environmental Equity Program Manager. She shares about her transition after college & gives advice to current students here!

Alum Leah worked with her roommate to develop Litter2Life: turning San Diego beach trash into art.  They want to pass on the tradition to SDSU and keep spreading the message of environmental stewardship. She also shares about her current job in food medicine and how it impacts public health and sustainability!
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After years of chasing the typical career life and being disengaged with the environment, Mitch found inspiration to improve his lifestyle and make waves in the local community. As the current Chapter Manager of Surfrider San Diego he guides us down his personal path leading to the non-profit, highlights Surfrider's goals and accomplishments, overviews the main problems facing our oceans and coastlines, and gives genuine advice to anyone trying to save the world. One listen and you will be inspired to act locally in a world of global issues.

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Tracing the origins of her sustainable mind back to her father working as a trash man for years, Alumni Stephanie is establishing her role as the Equity Specialist for Center for Sustainable Energy.  She walked us through the things that helped her on campus and gave us advice on how we can make the most out of our experience at SDSU.

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From establishing the SDSU Farmers Market and bike lanes in 2011 as the AS President, Grant is now working in Sacramento serving as the Chief Policy Advisor for the CA Energy Commission and Senior Legislative Liaison for CA Public Utilities Commission. He shared his journey and what is takes to make change on and off campus.

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