INTERNSHIPS

Since 2013, more than 70 Seattle University students with aspirations for sustainability-related careers have worked as interns at CEJS. Students have gained firsthand experience developing web content, conducting greenhouse gas inventories, managing social media pages, planning events and gathering data for SU’s STARS report, which is an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) report for universities.

My internship with CEJS was an invaluable opportunity that expanded my view on what environmental justice is and taught me how to work collaboratively to implement efforts under a shared goal. Under the mentorship of the incredible staff at the center, I was able to explore the work of nonprofits and other colleges in the Northwest and implement lessons learned into the climate efforts at Seattle U. Through reviewing the work of fellowship recipients and assisting in running on-campus guest speaker events, I was exposed to how climate change disproportionately impacts underrepresented communities. My internship instilled in me the knowledge that everyone can help further environmental justice efforts. I now serve on a nationwide Equity and Environmental Justice (EEJ) working group where I collaborate with other representatives from National Fishery Management Councils and we share approaches different regions are taking to meet EEJ objectives and further efforts in place.

I was a CEJS intern and worked on CEJS projects throughout my entire undergraduate career at Seattle U. I owe so much of my professional and lifestyle passion to my time with the Center. CEJS helped me coalesce my professional goals to incorporate sustainability and resilience into everything I’m a part of. My time at Seattle U also helped me find a calling to work on reinventing our built environment. After graduating, I did a M.S. in Civil Engineering with a focus on energy systems and climate science at the University of California, Berkeley. In my current role as an Electric Transmission Line Project Manager at Pacific Gas and Electric, I execute a portfolio of underground and overhead transmission line capital projects and provide interconnection services for solar and wind developers. Whenever I’m engulfed in data analysis or sustainability reporting, I think back to the valuable time I spent at CEJS. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

Each year, students from SU’s Digital Design program work with CEJS to produce original artwork for campus signage, events and promotional materials. Digital design student Vitoria Cassol helped CEJS create several infographics that highlight the amazing sustainability work that is done through our campus operations. Her designs were featured during a men’s basketball game on the Jumbotron at Climate Pledge Arena.