Aiden is a dedicated high school senior at Palo Alto High School with a passion for sustainability. As a 2023 PGC Finalist, he is committed to environmental stewardship and aims to make a positive impact on his community and beyond.
Alexa is a junior at Bryn Mawr College, majoring in Environmental Studies and Sociology. She is passionate about understanding the intricate connections between society and the environment. Throughout PGC 2024, Alexa has been inspired by the next generation of climate leaders and is eager to contribute to building a world that supports everyone’s well-being. She is committed to exploring both individual and collective responses to the climate crisis for a resilient future.
Emeline is a fourth year student at UC Berkeley, studying Society and the Environment and Gender and Women Studies. She deeply believes that we are all part of nature, and therefore endeavors for the liberation of the environment, animals, and humans and is committed to learning from the invaluable lessons of flora, fauna and ecosystems. Her journey of activism was kickstarted as a Project Green Challenge 2019 finalist, and she continues to foster her inspiration with Turning Green, now excitedly returning for her fourth year as an ambassador.
Gabriela is currently a Program Coordinator at Salzburg Global Seminar in Washington, D.C. after graduating in May from Davidson College with honors in environmental studies. She has worked for Turning Green in various capacities since starting in the summer of 2021: as a communications intern, PGC Course Teaching Assistant, Turning Green Fellow, Conscious Kitchen Fellow, and most recently, as a Program Coordinator. She is a passionate, curious, and empathetic individual who cares deeply about building stronger relationships with her communities, the planet, and herself. She is eternally grateful for her journey with Turning Green that has transformed her into the person she is today, and she will continue to return whenever she can to support their deeply meaningful work. Whenever she can, she enjoys reading, connecting with people in coffee shops, and walking through Rock Creek Park.
Manfred is a senior at Jericho High School and a 2023 Project Green Challenge finalist with a strong commitment to environmental advocacy. He conducts research at Cornell University, where he applies machine learning to address urgent issues in environmental science and policy. Outside of academics, Manfred takes a hands-on approach to sustainability and strives to inspire community action.
Rachel is a committed, collaborative, and community-oriented senior at Jericho High School. She was a Project Green Finalist in 2022, where she created composting bins and student presentation courses for her school. Passionate about environmental health, she actively incorporates sustainable practices into her daily life. Her dedication to environmental issues drives her efforts towards a greener world. In the future, Rachel aims to pursue further education in sustainability and public health, driven by her interest for the environment and communities.
Sophie is a senior at Connecticut College studying biology, with an ecology concentration. Her interests involve marine ecology and biology, and is specifically interested in preserving seagrass ecosystems. She first became involved with Turning Green in 2018 as a PGC finalist, and since then has become an ambassador and judge for the PGC Finals. She is excited to return for her fourth year as a remote ambassador this year. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing field hockey, baking, and spending time outside, especially in the water.
Valentín is a passionate nature enthusiast with a love for gardens, home cooking, and food. He is dedicated to developing projects centered on nature-based solutions, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. Valentín believes in the power of collaboration and research to create a better future, envisioning projects that positively impact communities. Since starting university, he has embraced new learning opportunities and developed innovative project ideas. During high school, he launched an artisanal sauce brand, Salsas K’uut, which continues to provide him with learning and growth opportunities. Valentín was a PGC Finalist in 2022.
Yael is a freshman at Rice University in Houston, Texas. With a longstanding interest in environmental activism, she deepened her passion as a Project Green Challenge finalist in 2022. A dedicated baker, Yael follows FLOSN (Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Non-GMO) guidelines to create high-quality, environmentally friendly desserts. She finds joy in walking to connect with her surroundings and often sits in parks to appreciate nature. Her interests include supporting fair trade companies, minimizing food waste, and buying locally.
