PGC 2023 FINALISTS

 

 

Congratulations to the Project Green Challenge 2023 Finalists, an extraordinary group of 14 high school, college, and graduate students and their teams, representing eight countries: Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, India, Iran, Mexico, Suriname, and the United States. We honor these inspired and mobilized young leaders.

 

PGC FINALS

FINALISTSSPEAKERSAMBASSADORSMENTORSCAPs

Aiden Son

Junior, Palo Alto Senior High School Palo Alto, California, USA

Aiden has a passion for the outdoors, engineering, and composting. As a member of his school’s eco club, Aiden is constantly seeking opportunities to reduce waste and educate his peers on environmental topics. Prior to taking part in Project Green Challenge, he established vermicomposting bins at a local middle school as part of his Eagle Scout project to promote environmental education in his community. Project Green Challenge was his opportunity to educate himself on a variety of environmental topics and learn how to make a difference.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Fascinating, Educational, Challenging, Inspiring, and Transformative. 

What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2023 for you?
Completing Project Green Challenge will leave me with lots of precious memories. Moments such as singing my heart out in the garage, writing a poem about the cost of fashion, showing my friends my produce pal, Eddie, painting a rock orchid with traditional Korean techniques, (I could go on and on) will be forever etched in my mind. Thank you.

Climate Action Project: Composting to Reduce Food Waste

This project aims to set up compost bins and provide composting education to local schools, community centers, households, and public spaces. By diverting food waste from landfills, this will reduce methane emissions and provide free, healthy soil for gardens. Outreach will spread awareness about the benefits of composting and involve youth to inspire environmental action. The goal is to start small with local areas and expand the project’s reach over time, eventually developing a self-sustaining waste management program.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Anni Zhao

Team Sustainabuddies, Junior, San Marino High School, San Marino, California, USA

Anni is a high school student with a strong passion for environmental science, chemistry, and STEM in general. She has gained environmental science knowledge from PGC 2023, and is looking forward to using the skills she improved on throughout the 30-day journey, such as campaigning, advocating, and planning, to implement changes for a greener, more sustainable future in her local San Marino community.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Reflective, Meaningful, Contented, Refreshing, and Holistic. 

Has your participation in PGC impacted those around you in a positive way?
One of the many examples would be the day I ate an entire day of plant-based meals with my family as our meals are cooked together. At first they were skeptical if plants could satiate our appetite and provide enough nutrients, but after the day had ended they were just as pleasantly surprised as I was: The plant-based dishes were delicious, and tofu as an entree is just as filling and as a nutritious protein. We also saw a boost in our mental well-being that day, so they agreed to also partake in the one meatless day per week habit that I wanted to start building.

Climate Action Project: Waste Wise

Waste Wise will be implemented on the San Marino High School campus in April of 2024. By changing the school’s waste collection system to a three-bin system, this action hopes to achieve a lasting 20% decrease in non-recyclable waste generation rate, which is a significant reduction on the waste that gets sent to landfills. The three key principals of this project are reduction, diversion, and engagement.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Azure Kordick

Senior, University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida, USA

Azure is a native of sunny South Florida and is currently pursuing her academic journey at the University of Central Florida. She is majoring in Event Management with a minor in Public Administration and Leadership, showcasing her dedication to effective organization and community engagement. Her passion for crafting, music, and environmental sustainability reflects her diverse talents and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Innovating, Challenging, Thought-Provoking, Rewarding, and Engaging. 

Think about your pre-PGC self, just 30 days ago, and then think about you, today. Have you changed?
Just 30 days ago, I was a person full of ambition but lacking the direction and the platform to channel my passion for environmental sustainability effectively. Today, I stand transformed and enlightened by the remarkable journey of Project Green Challenge. This experience has unveiled layers of my potential I never fully realized.

Climate Action Project: Greener Orlando

Greener Orlando is a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste, particularly plastic water bottle consumption, and promoting water conservation in Azure’s community of Orlando, Florida. This project is grounded in the belief that collective and strategic action is essential for a healthy and just future for our city. The primary mechanisms of change for this project include advocacy and policy initiatives, education and outreach, innovation and creative tools, and collaboration. Through advocacy, Azure will engage with local policymakers to promote policies supporting water conservation and plastic reduction. Education and outreach efforts will involve creating tailored materials, organizing workshops, and engaging the community through digital campaigns.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Brianna Akuamoah-Boateng

Team Water Buffalos, Senior, Poolesville High School, Poolesville, Maryland, USA

Teammates Brianna and Sophia are members of the Global Ecology Program at their high school where their courses are framed around subjects related to environmental science and social sciences. Throughout their time in this program, they have become leaders amongst fellow environmental activists, and act as a dynamic duo when taking part in initiatives like PGC. 

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Meditative, Exciting, Fascinating, Stimulating, and Challenging. 

Think about your pre-PGC self, just 30 days ago, and then think about you, today. Have you changed?
Over the past 30 days the biggest change was my new ability to see the environment in everything I do. It’s not just about nature and trees but it’s in the way we build buildings and interact with one another. Also, as a team I think we’ve become closer friends! We have a reason to just talk every day, PGC related or not.

Climate Action Project: Greenhouse Revitalization 

This project aims to revitalize the greenhouse on Brianna’s campus to make it a part of Poolesville High School’s program to teach students about the intersections of agriculture and the environment.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Conrado Manuel Guzman Flores

Team Los Aprendices, Graduate Student, Arizona State University, Mexico City, Mexico

While living and working in Mexico City, Conrado is pursuing his online Master’s degree focused on Sustainability Leadership at Arizona State University. An avid hiker and outdoor explorer, he, and his team Los Aprendices, are teaching others about the health benefits of hiking and the need to protect these landscapes. Conrado is most passionate about the conservation of surrounding forests and mountains to improve Mexico City’s welfare, and currently works in the sustainability, safety, health, and environment department of his company where he offers training to the agriculture division sales force, documents environmental legal permits on waste management and water, and participates in agriculture projects like a joint initiative to promote mixed crop systems for coffee growers in Mexico.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Transformational, Self Discovery, Purpose, Eyeopening, and Hopeful. 

Think about your pre-PGC self, just 30 days ago, and then think about you, today. Have you changed?
Sometimes fear keeps us from challenging ourselves and be courageous. I didn’t have an IG account because I was afraid and was hiding that feeling with what I saw as reasonable arguments, but when on the second day I was asked to address politicians in Mexico, I had to overcome that fear. I’m less afraid now to challenge myself and rise my voice to tell others about my passion and why they should be passionate too. 

Climate Action Project: Communications Awareness Campaign for the Legal Protection of Bosque de Agua in Mexico City. 

Bosque de Agua is a Natural Area that surrounds the Greater Mexico City Area home to 22 million people. Bosque de Agua supplies 40% of the water that Mexico City consumes but is under threat by illegal logging and land use change for urban development. There are segregated natural protected areas at the federal and state level, but these are not enough to fully protect the whole integrity and extension of Bosque de Agua. My Climate Action Project is a communications campaign directed at the thousands of visitors it receives every weekend to spread awareness about the importance and relevance Bosque de Agua has on their livelihoods. This campaign is intended to be aligned with local inhabitants in the Ejidatario communities, academia, NGOs, and hiking groups through a joint effort of massive amplification of the message through social media, on site events and information. Also evaluating visitor perceptions and if the message reaches politicians and policy makers to finally protect Bosque de Agua.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Daniel Cirimwami

Graduate Student, ISDR, Bakavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Daniel is a member of the PGC Campus Representatives team and has worked with the Turning Green team on global outreach to engage students in Project Green Challenge 2023. He is from South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a graduate student in Commercial Sciences, studying at the Higher Institute of Rural Development in Regional Planning. Daniel is trained in environmental management and the promotion of biodiversity.  Since 2021, he has been president and community development coordinator of the XR-EXTECTION group, which is movement of young people committed to the protection of wetlands and the fight against deforestation. His passion is to work in green entrepreneurship and he is committed to promoting Project Green Challenge project in his country and the entire world. He currently volunteers with the ANU club of ISDR/BUKAVU, Association l’entrepreneuriat vert in his spare time, from where he is a supplier of reused plastic garbage cans and vegetables in the city of Bukavu.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
I, Am, Now, A, Leader. 

After 30 days of bold and brilliant work and newly acquired wisdom, how will you best put it to use?
The project has enabled me to better understand my place and my work as a young person in environmental management, I have to share my knowledge with other young people who already contact me for submitting articles that can help the community, I already work with young students in the management of plates and we plan to do more.

Climate Action Project: Plastics Project Waste Management and our Health

The goal of this project is to collect plastic waste for recycling, protecting water and contributing to the sanitation and economy of young students, and promoting the consumption of local products by planting fruit trees and vegetable gardens on the university campus.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Gabrielle Fugate

Senior, Louisville Eastern High School, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Gabrielle has spent the last 30 days completely immersing herself in the themes of climate change. She has delved into research on a variety of topics and come up with creative solutions, ideas, and works of art that support the movement to combat climate change. When not working on Project Green, she works at a Fair Trade, USDA Organic certified coffee shop She encourages employees and customers to recycle their cups, pointing out the symbol on the lids when asked if they really are recyclable! She loves to read and write, especially about stuff she has a passion for, which is why Project Green was the perfect challenge for her. With an acceptance into the University of Southern Mississippi to major in Marine Biology, she aims to use this career to not only learn about the amazing life of the ocean, but also what she can do to save and explore it!

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Immersive, Eye-opening, Beginning, Innovative, and Changing. 

After 30 days of bold and brilliant work and newly acquired wisdom, how will you best put it to use?
I will set an example for my friends, family, coworkers, and classmates. I will also continue to create ideas and encourage ideas to create a change in the various systems that continue in an unsustainable manner. I will speak up and use my voice to connect with people and present the facts and ideas. I will get involved with climate groups in my area to continue my knowledge and make connections to establish myself as an environmental advocate/worker. I will push for the ideas I believe in and how they will create a positive change.

Climate Action Project: Foodprint 

This project, Foodprint: Addressing Food Waste and Access, aims to introduce a three bin waste system in the school cafeteria. This will include trash, compost, and recycling. Along with limiting food waste, the plan is to set up a school facilitated food bank, where clubs can get service hours by packaging lunch leftovers into a balanced meal for students to take home free of charge. The goal is to launch this project as a pilot program at my high school and eventually create a system for all of the schools in the district.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Manfred Lim

Team Path to 2030, Junior, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, USA

Manfred is a member of Team Pathto2030. With a focused interest in sustainability and earth science, Manfred has taken steps to contribute to the field. Researching at Cornell University, he has utilized machine learning techniques to predict global soil respiration rates. Outside of his academic pursuits, Manfred is an avid gardener with over nine years of experience in his own backyard. He joined Project Green Challenge alongside teammates Samyra Mahiba, Kimberly Wang, and Katherine Lee, with the aim of increasing awareness on both the international and community level. Looking ahead, Manfred aspires to launch his own environmentally-friendly business, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable future in the business world.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Enlightening, Inspiring, Memorable, Bonding, and Exciting.

What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2023 for you?
The most memorable aspect of PGC 2023 for us was the new connections we’ve made. When our group members came together for projects such as cooking or hiking, we strengthened bonds and forged new ones during unique situations. One such example was the making of one of our submissions for the outdoors challenge. We spontaneously decided to go on a nature hike in a forest by the harbor, without any preparation whatsoever. It was some of our group members’ very first time on a hike, so the experience was especially memorable. In the end, PGC has turned out to be both an educational and bonding experience for our whole team.

Climate Action Project: Soul Seeds

“Soul Seeds,” a climate action project led by team Pathto2030, aims to address the urgent issue of declining biodiversity, particularly in New York’s local ecosystem. The core of the project lies in reintroducing native grass species to Long Island, particularly school grounds. This project is multifaceted, focusing not just on the environmental impact, but also on education and mental health benefits. This team seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem, enrich science curriculum, and improve mental health and well-being. Phase one involves the collaboration of faculty, acquisition of project money, and discussion with school administration. Phase two consists of finalizing the project budget, presenting the plan to the school board for approval, and collaborating with local contractors for implementation. A social media campaign will also be launched to raise awareness and gather community support.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Samintang

Senior, Hasanuddin University, Luwu Timur, Indonesia

A First Generation College Student (FGCS) from a small village in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Samintang is a multifaceted individual; taking on roles as a leader, speaker, content creator, social entrepreneur, researcher, full-time worker, peer educator trainer, environmental advocate, accounting student, and coach for public storytelling. She is driven by a deep passion for advocating on behalf of vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and the environment. Her aspirations include becoming a change agent, public sector leader, and CSR-Sustainability expert, aiming to disrupt inequitable systems and advocate for environmental justice.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?

Transformative, Inspirational, Educational, Empowering, and Memorable. 

Has your perception of the world around you changed? If so, share how.

One of the most significant changes in my perception is related to the interconnectedness of global issues. PGC prompted me to explore topics like climate change, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, and sustainable agriculture. As I delved into these subjects, I began to see how they are not isolated problems but interconnected components of a broader ecological crisis. I now understand that addressing one issue requires considering its impact on others. This holistic view has made me more conscious of my daily choices and their ripple effects on the environment.

Climate Action Project: Climate Catalysts 

The goal of Climate Catalysts is to empower the young generation in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, by providing them with knowledge and skills to become advocates and leaders in the field of climate action. The program encompasses climate courses, case studies, discussions, campaigns, and climate action initiatives, offering insights and practical approaches to addressing climate issues at various levels, from grassroots to global paradigms. Operating under the banner of ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Advocates’; Climate Catalysts aims to be at the forefront, empowering young individuals to become proactive changemakers. With three core pillars: Climate Learning, Climate Campaign, and Climate Action, they are committed to protecting the Earth for a greener future.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Shahed Anan Sajeeb

Junior, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Shahed is a third-year student pursuing a B.S. honors degree in Environmental Sciences. Originally hailing from the Panchagarh district in the Rangpur division, Shahed’s academic journey is marked by a passion for environmental stewardship. Beyond academics, he is a multifaceted individual with a passion for music, dancing, and content creation on social media. His commitment to environmental causes is evident through his roles as an executive member of the Nature Conservation Initiative. This dynamic blend of academic focus, environmental advocacy, and creative pursuits defines Sajeeb’s journey as a conscientious student and an active participant in making positive contributions to his community and beyond.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience
Transformative, Inspirational, Educational, Empowering, and Sustainable. 

Has your perception of the world around you changed?
The challenge opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of all living things and the impact of our choices on the planet. I now see the environment as a dynamic system deeply affected by individual actions. Each sustainable decision, whether it’s choosing local produce or reducing single-use plastics, feels like a meaningful contribution to a larger, global movement.

Climate Action Project: Eco Farming and Food Safety

This project focuses on transforming conventional farming practices in my community towards sustainable and eco-friendly methods. Currently, farmers heavily rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, depleting soil health and harming water and the environment. Shahed’s goal is to introduce and promote eco-farming practices that are both cost-effective and environmentally conscious. The project involves conducting workshops and training sessions to educate local farmers and students about the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and the benefits of organic farming. Through educational initiatives targeting both current farmers and future generations, the project envisions a community that values and practices eco-friendly farming for the well-being of the soil, the environment, and the overall health of the community.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Shawn Stolting

Senior, Polytechnic College Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname

Shawn, an electrical engineering student, embraces all challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development. Apart from his academic pursuits at Polytechnic College Suriname, Shawn possesses a creative side as an artist employed at a prominent datacenter in Suriname where he serves as a web developer. Taking part in Project Green Challenge transformed and expanded Shawn’s awareness and passion for climate justice. He is now not only fully conscious of the critical issues surrounding climate justice but also committed to becoming a change-maker, advocating for his beloved country, Suriname.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience
Discipline, Consistency, Changemaker, Late-nights, and Knowledge. 

What kept you motivated to get to the final day of PGC?
The prizes were a great motivator, but what truly kept me going was a rule I set for myself two years ago. I made a decision to change my mindset. When I commit to something, I give it my all, and I never give up or back down. This approach has helped me build a lot of discipline, and it’s what kept me on this journey. In the 2 years, my life has changed a lot, but positively. That is why I’m ready to face any challenge and go out of my comfort zone.

Climate Action Project: Empowering Maroon Communities through Whirlpool Turbines

The project seeks to empower Maroon communities facing electricity challenges by implementing Whirlpool Turbines, drawing inspiration from Belgium-based company Turbulent. It addresses limitations in economic opportunities, education, healthcare, quality of life, environmental impact, and community empowerment. The initiative stems from a passionate desire to support these communities, sparked by a friend of Shawn’s genuine commitment to improving his village’s living conditions. His belief in the transformative power of reliable electricity and the potential impact on education, healthcare, and overall quality of life ignited the project, leading to collaboration with technical expertise in electrical engineering. This project will also ensure that the climate will not be damaged in the future because electricity has been generated green from the start.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Sao Mai Tara Jessop Nguyen

Team 50 Shades of Green, Junior, Greengates School, Naucalpan, Mexico

Sao Mai is a Vietnamese-Mexican-British student at Greengates, an International-British School in Mexico City in her first year of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. As a child, Sao Mai developed a deep interest in environmental issues when she learned about the plight of her favorite animals – the polar bears. Knowing that her peers often worry endlessly about the state of her future, Sao Mai opts to serve as a source of knowledge and inspiration. Sao Mai firmly believes that every action she undertakes contributes significantly to creating a more sustainable world, and hopes to be able to use her privilege to aid those disproportionately and unjustly affected by environmental issues.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?Educational, Inspiring, Fun, Challenging, and Revealing. 

Has your perception of the world around you changed? If so, share how.
I have noticed that I genuinely perceive the world differently. Particularly in the way I consume. Before Project Green, I was quite pessimistic about Climate Change and thought that it made no real difference in how I consumed. And, while it remains true that the fault does not rely on the consumer, we still hold a certain degree of responsibility. Why shouldn’t I choose a more ethically sourced sunscreen? I notice that I tend to look at labelling more, that I refrain from buying items that I do not need, and that I get curious and research the production of certain brands and where they source their ingredients and labour. 

Climate Action Project: Creciendo Raíces

“Creciendo Raíces” aims to strengthen the well-being of the community of Raíces, located at 3530m (11,500ft) above sea level on el Nevado de Toluca, a volcano in the State of Mexico. Due to adverse weather conditions, the community experiences limited agricultural diversity and heavy reliance on cultivating oats and potatoes which exacerbates food insecurity due to the lack of dietary variety. To address these issues, Creciendo Raíces aims to initially plant three-year-old fruit trees by April, and provide organic pesticides and fertilizer for long-term environmental sustainability. Beyond the immediate initiatives, Creciendo Raíces will extend its efforts post-April to tackle the persistent challenges of food insecurity and irregular access to running water.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Yash Joshi

Team Flauna Coenose, Sophomore, Jaipur Engineering College and Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Yash is a member of Team Flauna Coenose, a passionate group of BTech students from Jaipur, India. Members of this team are engineering majors who hold a collective vision of a greener, more equitable planet. Arnav’s innovative thinking has consistently pushed the boundaries of sustainability, encouraging them to explore creative solutions as a team. Yash’s unwavering commitment to eco-conscious practices remind his teammates that small actions can have large impacts. Vinit’s exceptional problem-solving skills enable the trio to turn ideas into actionable solutions. In their free time, Yash has a keen interest in sports, reading, and writing. Arnav Goyal is passionate about animation and graphics, while Vinit Kumar Sharma excels in writing poetry.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?

Ecstasy, Bliss, Cognizance, Revolutionize, and Sustainable. 

What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2023 for you?

It was the first time, we participated in an international competition so the thrill and the hunger to change the world to create a brighter future was the most memorable one. What struck to me the most was the collective passion and commitment of the participants. The PGC challenges inspired the people from different background, culture and country who shared a same purpose — addressing Climate Mitigation.

Climate Action Project: Swap2Save

“Swap2Save” is a project led by Yash Joshi with his team, Flauna Coenose. Yash is a dedicated advocate for sustainable fashion based in Jaipur, India. Their innovative approach tackles the detrimental impacts of fast fashion waste through a simple yet impactful principle: reusing. Yash’s project encourages people to pass on their old clothes to those in need, fostering a sense of community and addressing the pressing issue of waste production in the fast fashion industry. By fostering a culture of sharing, Swap2Save not only aids individuals but also contributes to the broader goal of reducing environmental harm caused by excessive clothing waste.

CAP Presentation Video: here

Aftab Hekmat Shoar

Senior, Sedighe Kobra High School, Gonbad Kavous, Iran

Aftab is a dedicated and ambitious individual. Her commitment to sustainability is evident in her unwavering dedication to promoting eco-friendly practices. She firmly believes in the importance of education and raising awareness about sustainable living, as well as the preservation of nature and the health of our oceans and soil. As an active participant in the Project Green Challenge, Aftab has undergone a transformative journey and for the first time became aware of her ecological impact. Through involvement in the program, she has gained valuable knowledge about sustainable practices and wholeheartedly embraced the principles of green life. PGC has further empowered Aftab to become an advocate for a greener future, as she actively seeks ways to reduce her own ecological footprint and encourages others to do the same. Aftab has set her sights on becoming an aerospace engineer, driven by her passion for helping people and preserving the planet.

What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Empowering, Impactful, Inspiring, Educational, and Transformative.

What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2023 for you?
The most memorable aspect of PGC 2023 for me was the opportunity to share what I have learned with my friends and be active in spreading awareness through making videos. The challenge not only provided me with knowledge and motivation to make sustainable choices, but it also empowered me to become an advocate for the environment.