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.”
Below, the inaugural cohort reflects on how the program has helped them define their career paths. Learn more about the Sustainability Scholars Program here.
What attracted you to the Sustainability Scholars Program?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tell us about your Sustainability Scholars project, and what made you select it.
Daniel Hershey: I launched two initiatives as part of my Sustainability Scholars project: SLOWFUTURE and Quecto Farm.
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.
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.
I selected these projects because I believe fast fashion and industrial food systems demand creative solutions to support our long-term wellbeing.
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 farmers to millers and bakers to help localize the Colorado grain economy. I helped forge connections that will support sustainable agriculture practices and bring better food to our communities.
Madisen Medina: I attended the Sustainable Fashion conference in NYC at the Fashion Institute of Technology and completed my GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) Certificate. The fashion conference connected me to industries I would otherwise not have had exposure to: business, sustainability, and fashion. While I am passionate about fashion, I also understand the importance of transparency and reporting for every industry. The GRI certification gives a great general overview of reporting and can be a replacement for a CPA when it comes to ESG reporting.
Wesley Obmascik: In Spring 2025, I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. I wanted to research the values and actions surrounding sustainability in Europe. My project title was “The Certainty of Sustainability in an Uncertain Europe.” In addition to attending a sustainability conference in Prague, I have been interviewing people from across Europe to better understand whether the EU shares the same beliefs about sustainability as the U.S. To combat climate change, we all need to work together.
How has the Sustainability Scholars program supported your professional journey so far?
Sloan Hurley: The Sustainability Scholars program helped me dive headfirst into a career in sustainable agriculture and food systems. The program has opened doors to meet some of the most influential people in Colorado agriculture/food systems.
Madisen Medina: The FIT conference changed the trajectory of my fashion career. It inspired me to develop my own sustainable fashion brand, rather than simply supporting someone else’s.
Wesley Obmascik: The Scholars program has given me access to a vast network of passionate business leaders across different industries. As I apply for summer internships and, soon, full-time jobs next year, this network has provided me with a huge leg up.
What does being a part of the initial cohort of the Sustainability Scholars program mean to you?
Daniel Hershey: The culture we establish now will influence the Scholars who come after us. It pushes me to lead by example and to contribute meaningfully to a lasting foundation of innovation, purpose, and leadership.
Sloan Hurley: Being part of the initial cohort of the Sustainability Scholars program means I get to represent a shift in the way we do business here at Leeds . . . it means I can inspire other students to reflect on their "why" and ignite a deeper sense of purpose behind their time here at Leeds.
Wesley Obmascik: It's exciting! I hope it helps pave the way for more passionate students to enter the sustainability field and shows others that they, too, can build a great career in sustainability.
What makes you feel hopeful about the future and keeps you going in your commitment to sustainability, social impact, and ethical leadership?
Daniel Hershey: Increasingly, I see entrepreneurs leaning into purpose alongside profit. The next wave of leaders cares more about people and the planet than ever before. That energy fuels me to keep building, learning, and leading with compassion.
Sloan Hurley: My fellow scholars give me hope. We each approached this program with a different passion for sustainability, but we all have a steadfast energy and enthusiasm within us to see our communities stronger and healthier.
Madisen Medina: Sustainability is often misconstrued as innovations of the future- but it's not. Sustainability is now, and we, as students, are the pilots of the future — starting today! We have the power to innovate, inspire, and change the systems that are in place. Today, tomorrow, and years to come.