Sustainability Scholars: Reflections from the Inaugural Class
The inaugural class of Sustainability Scholars 2024-2025: Daniel Hershey, Sloan Hurley, Madisen Medina, Wesley Obmascik
Sustainability Scholars is a competitive opportunity for Social Responsibility and Ethics undergraduates to join a cohort of students dedicated to sustainability. Scholars receive mentoring and up to $2,500 in financial assistance to support “transformative educational opportunities in sustainability and social impact.â€ÌýÌýÌý
Below, the inaugural cohort reflects on how the program has helped them define their career paths.Ìý Learn more about the Sustainability Scholars Program here.ÌýÌýÌý
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What attracted you to the Sustainability Scholars Program?Ìý
Daniel Hershey: The Sustainability Scholars felt like a space where bold thinking in sustainability was encouraged and supported. I saw a chance to be part of a great community, to learn from mentors, and to be able to shape ideas into real-world impact.ÌýÌý
Sloan Hurley: I wanted to meet like-minded students who are committed to sustainability and build an even larger community of students within Leeds who are dedicated to careers with positive impact.ÌýÌý
Madisen Medina: CESR highlighted students’ ability to create a project and follow their passions. I gravitated towards the individualism and diversity of projects- I felt trusted to do something really spectacular.Ìý
Wesley Obmascik: I wanted better access to CESR’s vast network of alumni and connections. Additionally, I loved the idea of finding a smaller community within Leeds committed to something I am passionate about: leaving this world better than I found it.Ìý
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Tell us about your Sustainability Scholars project, and what made you select it.Ìý
Daniel Hershey: I launched two initiatives as part of my Sustainability Scholars project: SLOWFUTURE and Quecto Farm.Ìý
SLOWFUTURE is a clothing line in which each piece is made from 100% organic cotton and/or recycled materials and supports initiatives that make the world a better place: providing meals, planting trees, and distributing mosquito nets to prevent malaria. The goal is to create something that looks good and has an even bigger impact behind the scenes.Ìý
Quecto Farm Microgreens, in my hometown of Littleton, CO, is an initiative that grows and delivers ultra-fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens straight to local neighborhoods, making it easier for people to eat well and feel more connected to their food.Ìý
I selected these projects because I believe fast fashion and industrial food systems demand creative solutions to support our long-term wellbeing.ÌýÌý
Sloan Hurley: I did an unpaid internship with the Colorado Grain Chain, helping them plan the inaugural Colorado Grain Summit. We brought together people throughout the grain supply chain, from fa