Anjali Doria
Senior, Unity Environmental University, New Gloucester, Maine, USA
Anjali is a senior at Unity Environmental University, where she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Passionate about giving back to her community, she spends her free time volunteering with local conservation organizations. Anjali’s sustainability interests include food insecurity, soil health, food waste, and ocean conservation.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Powerful, Educational, Inspiring, Community, and Game-changing.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
The most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 was creating a FLOSN meal with my family. We were able to make a filling, delicious, FLOSN meal for less than $4/person. It was eye-opening to see that this healthy meal cost a third of the price of our average meal. However, what made this experience the most memorable was including my family. I can’t express how much joy it brought me to see my family support me in this Project Green journey and go out of their way to participate with me. It was the first experience within the challenge where I realized how much my community motivates me and how eager I am to show my community that I support it as well.
Barbára Villanueva
Freshman, Universidad Anahuac Mayab, Mérida, México
Bárbara has known from a young age that her mission in life is to help others. She has led recycling initiatives to encourage peers to adopt sustainable waste separation habits, and now studies Environmental Engineering at Anáhuac Mayab University. Bárbara is committed to preserving Mérida’s rich biodiversity. Alongside her PGC Team Eco Rise, she believes that Project Green Challenge will help her fulfill her mission of inspiring environmental change.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Transformative, Challenging, Insightful, Collaborative, and Empowering.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
One of the most memorable aspects of PGC 2024 was the intense teamwork experience I had throughout the program. From day one, we were encouraged to collaborate and support each other in every activity. What stood out to me was a simulation session where we had to solve an environmental challenge within a limited timeframe. Each team member brought their own perspective and skills, which led to innovative ideas. I remember how, at first, we faced disagreements about the direction of the project. However, through open communication and everyone’s willingness to listen, we managed to find common ground and build on our differences. This experience not only reinforced our ability to work together but also fostered an atmosphere of trust that allowed us to be creative. By the end of the program, we not only presented a viable solution to the problem, but we had also built a strong sense of camaraderie. Seeing each of us grow in confidence and skills was truly inspiring. This experience taught me that teamwork is not just about reaching a goal; it’s also about building meaningful relationships and learning from one another along the way.
Callyan Lacio
PhD Student, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
Callyan is an Indigenous-Hispanic American and first-generation student studying the impacts of human activity on seal vocalizations and behaviors, and the impact of research in Indigenous STEM education. From rural Kansas, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoo Science and Conservation Science from Friends University. Her diverse background includes roles in dolphin and manatee rescue and rehabilitation, PFAS, and marine biology camps. Callyan’s goal is to balance marine research with local Indigenous community collaboration and foster STEM connections for future generations.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Unexpected, Community-driven, Synergistic, Pioneering, and Hands-on.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
By far the most memorable was doing accessible outdoor adventures in the “Outdoor” and “Forests” challenges. I’m someone who is from the middle of the US, hadn’t seen the ocean until I was 22, and didn’t get to take family vacations due to being in a low socio-economic family. It would’ve been life changing for me, especially as a young kid, to be able to explore nature outside of the farm. I was almost in tears thinking about my younger self and how transformative an experience that would’ve been. I’m thankful to know the fantastic resources I learned about through those challenges. The Outdoor challenge allowed us to do in-person adventures or online adventures. While I’m so thankful and privileged to live in a state now where I have access to forests, the ocean, large waterways, etc., I think it is important not to take that privilege for granted. By doing the online option, I am much more informed and feel confident to share those with others. It is a great thing to see for those who don’t have the physical, financial, or any other ability to experience it in person. Someone I’ve been following on social media for a long time is @benkielesinski and in his adventure videos he says “Want to come on an adventure with me? Too bad- you’re coming.” and he takes you along on 1st and 3rd person adventures. I love that these PGC challenges gave me the same warm feeling that Ben’s videos do.
Césaire Kouadio
Graduate Student, Universidade Técnica do Atlântico, Mindelo, Cape Verde
Césaire is a graduate student from the Ivory Coast pursuing a Master’s degree in Climate Change and Marine Science at Universidade Técnica do Atlântico in Cape Verde. His passions have led him to research ocean dynamics, food security, and drivers of marine productivity. Césaire also works with Mon Potager Bio, helping women farmers practice organic and sustainable farming methods. He aims to advance climate resilience by applying his research to support sustainable practices in vulnerable communities.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Engaging, Inspiring, Transformative, Learning, and Wonderful.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
PGC 2024 Challenge is one of the most cherished experiences because I was challenged to think too much about my actions and their chances to correspond with my values. Each daily challenge provided some opportunity for me to venture into different aspects of sustainability, however Day 1 and Day 15 are the most exceptional. Day 1’s “Imagine” challenge brought to life a burning desire to see what the world could look like if we all became environmentally friendly. It was indeed an incredible way of kick-starting the journey. Fast forward onto Day 15, the aspect of focus was on soil health, which was quite eye-opening as it showed me the possibility of restoring systems and increasing food supply through regenerative designs of which I love to help out communities with their projects at MON POTAGER BIO. Another fundamental element of why PGC was such a great experience in my life was how it created links between all those individual impressions and an action-based agenda. The daily tasks, however, not only described the problems and issues on the global map but also outlined the way how one could make the global trends work for him given his circumstances. Naturally, that encouraged and inspired me, but also brought a proper modesty in me since I knew that there were also other people participating. This is further consolidation of my resolve regarding sustainable advocacy and more importantly it gives hope that change can happen even at the smallest of levels and consistency can build the change over time. PGC 2024 was a set of challenges rather, it was a journey that changed the perception towards one’s self, one’s actions and the way one fits in the whole context of sustainable movements.
Godfred Owusu
Senior, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Godfred is a climate activist and community leader from Ashanti, Ghana. His passion for sustainability and environmental justice was ignited during Project Green Challenge, where he engaged with pressing environmental issues affecting his community. Godfred’s journey through PGC transformed his awareness into action, empowering him to envision a sustainable future, spark home, and galvanize people to drive change.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Transformative, Empowering , Collaborative, Inspiring, and Impactful.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
The most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 was the collaborative spirit fostered among participants. Connecting with fellow activists, sharing ideas, and learning from their experiences created a sense of community that fueled my motivation. The discussions we had about our projects and the challenges we faced were not just inspiring; they were a reminder that we are not alone in this fight. The friendships I formed during this challenge will continue to support my activism long after PGC ends.
Jack Yu
Senior, Team Penguin, Polar Bear and Turtle, Hamden Hall Country Day School, Hamden, Connecticut, USA
Yuanzheng (Jack) Yu, a senior at Hamden Hall Country Day School in Connecticut and part of PGC Team Penguin, Polar Bear and Turtle, is passionate about data science and climate change. As the founder of the Carbon Footprint Club, he encourages his peers to consider their environmental impact. Jack and his friends developed CarbonTrackApp.com, a platform where users can log their carbon-reducing actions, earning credits that can be used for rewards and competitions. He believes that creating positive feedback for carbon reducing actions will foster sustainable habits.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Teamwork, Surmount, Connect, Share, and Reflect.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
PGC left me with the most memorable aspect is the richness and comprehensiveness of the resources in each day’s challenge. One of the most memorable moments for me was the 3D nude eye exploration of the magnificent expansive forests of Alberta, Canada under the greener title of Day 11’s challenge on forests. Without this challenge, I would never have been able to sit at home and explore and appreciate the evolution of the forest and learn about how indigenous people do their best to help face the forests on which they depend. It made me even more determined to create more green spaces in our neighborhoods that can be enjoyed and balance air pollution.
Janet Herrera Hualpa
Senior, Team Green World, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Perú
Janet is a Civil Engineering student in her final semester at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and part of PGC Team Green World. Janet is committed to contributing to Perú’s sustainable development. Inspired by her parents’ stories of natural beauty, she developed a deep admiration for nature, which has driven her to explore Perú’s landscapes. Witnessing climate change’s impact firsthand has fueled her commitment to environmental advocacy. Through her engineering work, Janet aims to create sustainable solutions that will protect Perú’s biodiversity for future generations.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Commitment, Self-reflection, Will, Empathy, and Responsibility.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
For me, the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 was the commitment I upheld with each challenge that came up. Sometimes I would arrive feeling exhausted, but as soon as I saw the proposed topic, the motivation to research and write about it made my fatigue disappear. Each topic was so interesting that I genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to dive deeper and share my perspectives. This experience was significant because it pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I hadn’t previously expressed myself publicly on these subjects. PGC not only inspired me to learn more but also to connect and communicate in a way I hadn’t explored before.
Kylie Chalise
Junior, Team Sustainable Souls, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, USA
Kylie is a junior at Jericho High School in Long Island, New York, with a passion for environmental sustainability. Her commitment to addressing environmental issues and finding innovative solutions was strengthened throughout Project Green Challenge, as a part of Team Sustainable Souls. Kylie works with the nonprofit STEM to Flower, empowering young girls to explore STEM fields. She strives to inspire her community to take action for a more sustainable future.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Fun, Inspiring, Challenging, Meaningful, and Engaging.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
What has perhaps been most unforgettable from PGC 2024 is how connecting to a community of people who are highly concerned with the desire to make a difference acts. Every day, I encountered people with diverse backgrounds that shared unique insights and stories about their personal environmental journeys. These contacts served to reinforce the understanding in me that, when people come together toward the same purpose, a change can occur. Another highlight of PGC for me was the involvement in the hands-on challenge that actually made me think out of the box for solutioning, making me resourceful. I had to find sustainable solutions given the limitation in the resources, which was quite challenging yet rewarding. This taught me the essence of adaptability and reminded me that environmental change can be achieved even just by small adjustments. Finally, the daily articles and reflections were transformative, offering the ability to connect global environmental issues with personal action. Reading stories of communities already suffering from the effects of climate change instilled a great sense of urgency and purpose in me, making each challenge feel impactful. Such moments have turned the PGC into an event, not just something that happened, but an important experience reshaping my commitment toward sustainability.
Mahmudur Rahman
Senior, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Mahmud is a fourth-year Environmental Sciences student from Dhaka. His love for the environment began in childhood with visits to rural areas. Mahmud’s commitment is evident through his involvement in various environmental communities and forums. He is particularly interested in researching water quality and biodiversity along the coasts of Bangladesh. Mahmud aspires to become a climate activist who works collaboratively to combat climate change.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Transformative, Inspiring, Educational, Empowering and Eye-opening.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
The most cherished facet of PGC 2024 has to be the vibrant sense of community it nurtured. It’s the people – passionate, diverse, and spread across the globe – who made this journey unforgettable. In this digital realm, I found a global family, all united by a common purpose: safeguarding our planet. What made it truly memorable was the collective synergy. I, myself, alone, would be hesitant to share environment related content daily on my Instagram. The camaraderie that blossomed as we shared ideas, stories, and solutions was electrifying. It was like a mosaic, with each participant contributing a unique piece, forming a beautiful, environmentally conscious tapestry. Moreover, the creative challenges opened the floodgates of ingenuity. Witnessing innovative eco-solutions emerge from this creative cauldron was awe-inspiring. It illuminated the immense potential of collective action to tackle even the most formidable environmental challenges. In this shared journey, I discovered that individual actions, when woven together, create a vibrant tapestry of change. It was a profound reminder that our collective efforts can shape a better, more sustainable world. The memory of this spirited, united front against environmental adversity will remain etched in my heart as a testament to the power of global collaboration.
Marria Peduto
Masters, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Marria is pursuing a Master’s degree in Marine Affairs at the University of Washington, while working as a researcher in the Coastal Fisheries Ecology Lab. She serves as Co-Chair for the U.S. Youth Action Committee for the UN Ocean Decade and previously researched coral reef restoration in Bali as a Fulbright fellow. Marria co-founded the Food for Thought Project to address food insecurity during COVID-19. She is focused on the intersection of marine resources and community resilience in a changing climate.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Thought Provoking, Actionable, Reflective, Inspiring, and Educational.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
I felt that the prompts I expected the least from were some of the one’s I felt deeply compelled by. For instance, I was flabbergasted by the difference in my perceived water consumption in a given day versus my actual calculated water usage. That prompt made me fundamentally reconsider my water usage and I am actively working to improve my water conservation in my new home. Similarly, I was not expecting the Wellbeing day to impact me as much as it did. In writing my letter of gratitude to my friend, I became deeply emotional when reflecting on the impact he has had on my life. I feel like I seldom express my gratitude in the written form, so taking the time to verbalize and document our stories, memories, and his impact in my life was both cathartic and stirring. After sending the letter I felt anxious as to what his response would be since it was rather heartfelt and deeply personal, but he was touched by my vulnerability and responded with kind words of his own. Both of these challenge days presented welcome surprises that really stuck with me throughout the project and I’m thankful that I completed those prompts.
Megan Garber
Freshman, Illinois Central College, East Peoria, Illinois, USA
Megan is a sign language interpretation student at Illinois Central College with a background in Chemistry and Mathematics. She is passionate about understanding the environment and working with others to start healing the Earth. Megan is active in her community, from providing foster care support to volunteering with Communication Junction to teach young children sign language. With her scientific background and her skills in advocacy, she hopes to inspire others to make meaningful changes for the planet.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Empowering, Engaging, Collaborative, Eye-Opening, and Impactful.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
The most memorable aspect for me was writing a song on the vote day. This song was a reflection on the different challenges and what I had learned about them. From deforestation to indigenous ownership from regenerative framing to air and water pollution from soil erosion to extreme natural disasters, it all plays a part into what is occurring in our current climate situation. Creating this song helped me to put all of the piece of the puzzle together and know that I have to speak out and advocate for change in order to make change happen.
Mila Shih
Junior, San Luis Obispo High School, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
Mila is a Taiwanese-American student at San Luis Obispo High School with a dream of becoming a plant and soil scientist. Inspired by a science and gardening teacher, she learned the importance of respecting nature from an early age. During the pandemic, Mila discovered how natural solutions like fungi and plants can replace synthetic chemicals, sparking her passion for sustainable practices. Influenced by the book The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, she believes that nature holds solutions to many environmental challenges.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Empowering, Enlightening, Enriching, Eye-opening, and Motivational.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
The most memorable part of Project Green Challenge has been learning SO MUCH more about environmental issues and their sustainable solutions. It has been amazing to wake up everyday with a new theme to learn about, realizing that our actions spark a chain reaction that can significantly impact environments, for better or worse. I was stunned to discover the trillions of tons of plastic and food wasted each year, and how our daily habits can be changed to become WAYYYY more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Parmin Masoumi
Senior, Golestaneh High School, Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran
Parmin is a student at Golestaneh High School in Iran and passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and social change. Through Project Green Challenge, she applied her knowledge to tackle issues like plastic pollution, climate change, and food waste. Parmin founded an Eco Club at her school, fostering a community of environmentally conscious students. As Head of the Provincial Student Council, she has inspired the creation of Eco Clubs across her province.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Action, Transformation, Eco-Friendly, Inspiring, and Future.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
The most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 was the profound sense of purpose and empowerment that enveloped me throughout the thirty days of our environmental initiative. This transformative experience transcended mere participation; it ignited a fervent passion within me to effect tangible change. As I engaged with leaders and fellow advocates, I felt an exhilarating surge of collective determination. Together, we forged a formidable alliance, united by a singular vision: to combat the pervasive threat of plastic pollution in the breathtaking Golestan National Park. The camaraderie and shared commitment among us were palpable, creating an atmosphere charged with hope and possibility. Witnessing the direct impact of our efforts was nothing short of exhilarating. Each piece of plastic we removed from the park symbolized not just a victory over pollution, but a testament to the power of collaboration and community action. The realization that our actions could restore the natural beauty of this cherished landscape filled me with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. In those thirty days, I not only learned about environmental stewardship but also experienced the profound joy of being part of something greater than myself. PGC 2024 was not merely an event; it was a catalyst for change that inspired me to continue advocating for our planet long after the project concluded. The memories forged during this journey will forever resonate within me, reminding me of the indelible impact we can make when we unite for a common cause.
Sarah Q
Junior, Westover School, Middlebury, Connecticut, USA
Sarah is a high school student at Westover School in Connecticut. Her passion for environmental science began in middle school during a competition to design a sustainable city. Sarah is particularly interested in the issues of fast fashion, food waste, advocacy, and innovative environmental solutions. She hopes to deepen her understanding of the natural world and make a meaningful impact. Sarah plans to major in Environmental Science in college, continuing her commitment to sustainability.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Empowering, Transformative, Eye-opening, Global, and Connection.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
Participating in PGC has been an unforgettable experience, but the most memorable moment was when I met Ivanna, a fellow participant from Mexico. I had been wanting to connect myself with other participants but was nervous, and the challenge on Day 17 gave me the perfect opportunity. It was so inspiring for me to meet someone who shared similar passions and aspirations despite our different backgrounds and locations. Ivanna’s enthusiasm made me more excited; she was an incredible listener and also talked to me about where she comes from, what she cares about, and her personal life too. What I remember most, though, was both of our desires to learn and grow in terms of climate advocacy. She told me, “I don’t care about winning each challenge, I want to work hard on the challenges,” which was evident in the quality and time she put into her posts, like her produce pals! I didn’t realize that a single conversation with another like-minded student could make me feel more supported and inspired. I understand that the summit for finalists allows them to attend a meeting to learn and to grow, but also to make friendships and connections with those around them. I am especially excited for that aspect of meeting people who are truly passionate to make a difference in the environmental movement.
