Six sustainability interns are graduating this year! Their graduations are bittersweet, but we want to recognize their outstanding endeavors and wish them the best in their bright futures.
LUCY ALLEN
“Lucy is a force of nature. She has worked as the farmers market intern, sustainable food systems intern, Real Food Challenge president, and participates on the SCIF allocations committee. I have loved working with Lucy for the past 3 years, and witnessing her unwavering dedication to sustainability has been a pure joy. Lucy is creative, thoughtful, dependable and incredibly bright. I can’t wait to see where she goes in the future!”
— Jessica Kemper, sustainable food initiatives manager
ABBY GHENT
“Abby was our first-ever sports and sustainability intern. Her interest in environmental and social issues, as well as connection to student athletes from her time as a member of the U’s ski team, made her a natural choice for the position. It was a tough job because it had never been done before at the U. Abby’s patience, dedication, sense of humor, and ability to tackle problems from many angles helped her exceed expectations.”
— Ayrel Clark-Proffitt, sustainability engagement manager
JENNY HUYNH
“It’s been a joy to work with Jenny over the past two years and watch her grow in her abilities to lead focus groups and engage people in one-on-one conversations about sustainability issues. What sets her apart is that Jenny is the human incarnation of happiness. Rarely have I met another person who exudes such warmth and caring for others. As we address critical issues, people like Jenny will help bring light to the solutions.”
— Ayrel Clark-Proffitt, sustainability engagement manager
SAMANTHA RIKLI
“Sami has worked with the Sustainability Office through various classroom projects and is now one of our two Real Food Challenge calculators. I have greatly appreciated Sami’s drive and motivation to make her community a better place and it shows through her work. Sami’s dedication to sustainable food systems has given so much life to the RFC! Thank you for all of your hard work and excited to see what you do in the future!”
— Jessica Kemper, sustainable food initiatives manager
SARAH TABAK
“Sarah will be greatly missed by the Edible Campus Gardens crew. Sarah has incredible work ethic and is always up for a challenge. As one of the friendliest people I know, her ability empower her fellow interns and volunteers is unmatched. Sarah has only worked at the garden for a little over a year, but now I can hardly imagine it without her! We love you Sarah, best of luck in your climbing, grad school, and gardening endeavors!”
— Jessica Kemper, sustainable food initiatives manager
SIANI WESTON
“Siani has made the garden steward team feel like a family. Siani has exhibited a deep connection with both gardening and nature and it spreads to all those who work with her. Whether she found a sweet mouse snacking on lemon balm or is just turning the compost, Siani ensures all people, plants, microbes and animals are welcomed at our garden. We love you Siani! We’ll miss you but know you are off to bigger things!”
— Jessica Kemper, sustainable food initiatives manager