We're in the midst of a busy summer at the N.C. Chapter, but fortunately we've brought some smart, energetic people on board! Meet our five summer fellows from Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and UNC-Pembroke. They're helping us with communications and marketing, coastal and clean energy programs, and government policy advocacy. In turn, we're helping them learn more about how the Sierra Club's members, supporters and staff team up to "explore, enjoy and protect the planet." Join us in thanking them for their work!
Alix Foster (she/her), Coastal Clean Energy Fellow, Duke University
I'm excited to work in an organization that shares so many of my personal and professional values, and that has long been a pioneer in conservation and community engagement. As a lifelong coastal Californian, I have always been passionate about coastal environmental issues and wildlife. I first became involved with coastal organizations while studying at the the University of California, Santa Cruz, where I received bachelor of science degrees in Evolutionary Biology and Cognitive Science, as well as a Master's in Education.
Initially, I worked as a middle school science teacher, believing that increasing scientific access and literacy leads to greater environmental stewardship. I became increasingly motivated to have a more direct impact on the front lines of environmental advocacy, leading me to pursue a Master's of Environmental Management degree at Duke University. I'm also working on a Community-Based Environmental Management certificate to learn more about engaging local communities in environmental conversations and decisions.
I look forward to bringing these interests together and learning about a myriad of new topics this summer with my coastal clean energy work.
Christian Laspada (they/he), Policy Fellow, Duke University
This summer, I am incredibly excited to work with an inclusive organization dedicated to conserving and protecting our environment. I am passionate about climate, coastal, and natural resource protection through policy- and community-focused programs. These passions developed after I spent a summer working and living in Yosemite National Park. As a queer non-binary person, Yosemite’s wilderness became a safe space for me and taught me the acceptance nature offers. Since then, I have spent my time working and volunteering for environmental organizations.
Prior to coming to North Carolina, I worked for the University of California, Office of the President where I assisted with energy and sustainability projects for the university system’s 10 campuses and five medical centers. The University of California introduced me to the importance of climate policy and the impact it has on social and environmental change. This experience inspired me to pursue a Master's of Environmental Management degree at Duke University with an emphasis in environmental economics and policy.
Outside of my environmental work, I am an active LGBTQ+ rights activist, drag artist, and cat parent.
I am excited to bridge my various interests with the Sierra Club’s ongoing work and to learn more about North Carolina’s environmental legislation this summer.
Derrick Galloway (he/him), Marketing and Communications Fellow, UNC-Pembroke
What made me interested in joining the Sierra Club was hearing about how much it has grown from grassroots and the growing diversity of issues the organization now focuses on. Growing up in Fayetteville, I have always been interested in helping out in the community. The environment plays a critical role in my community, from air and water quality to the social atmosphere. Seeing that the Sierra Club has been taking an active role in facilitating positive change in these areas has inspired me to get involved in new ways.
As a communications and digital marketing intern for the club, my goals are to increase awareness about serious issues affecting the environment and community, attract new members to the club and increase activism. I believe that most people, once they realize that environmental issues have a direct impact on their lives and their communities, will come to take these issues more seriously. I am excited to work with the Sierra Club to help facilitate its goals while learning as much as I can at the same time.
Juan Pablo Quintero (he/him), Marketing and Communications Fellow, Duke University
I've always loved the outdoors and the joy it brings people. It's been bittersweet revisiting favorite natural vistas from my childhood and seeing how climate change has affected them. From my home country of Colombia, where the bleaching coral reefs get bonier every time I visit, to my other home country of Canada, where I have seen the glaciers recede in my lifetime, the impact is stark.
I am still trying to find out how to maximize my personal impact in the campaign against climate change. Learning about the social and environmental issues that affect the communities around me will, I hope, guide me to where I can make the biggest difference.
My background is in the corporate sector, so I'm keen to understand how policymakers, advocacy groups, and communities interact with corporations on climate issues. I believe that business is the cause of many environmental problems, but, if properly engaged, can also be a key stakeholder in creating solutions. I'm pursuing a dual degree of Masters of Environmental Management and Masters of Business Administration at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment and Fuqua School of Business.
I hope to return to the business world as an internal activist, using my sustainability skillset to challenge industry to always be better. I am excited to learn from my fellow Sierrans, other climate action groups, and the North Carolina community, and to continue my advocacy beyond this summer.
Shanya Hayes (she/her), Policy Fellow, N.C. Central University
Growing up in North Carolina, I have had the ability to experience and indulge in the different regions the state has to offer. From the years of mountain and beach trips, jogs around Lake Johnson, and living right in the Piedmont, I have grown a deep connection to the environment. Preserving it has become a pressing concern as I explore the world around me.
I have always felt a strong desire to advocate for what is right. I interned with the communications team at a non-profit organization in early 2021 to advocate for poverty to be a focus of U.S. foreign policy. From my experience with the group, I found interests in working behind the scenes while also using my voice to raise awareness and be an advocate for these various issues.
I am delighted to have a fellowship with the Sierra Club this summer. Having the opportunity to learn more about environmental issues affecting people in the state as well as getting more hands-on experience with policy is very exciting for me. I expect to graduate from North Carolina Central University in December 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. With a plan to attend graduate school, I cannot wait to see how this experience will shape my next steps!