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.
CAP Project : Waste Not, Want Not: A Food Waste Initiative
Marria’s CAP tackles household food waste by raising awareness and promoting sustainable habits among college-aged individuals in the US. Through a social media campaign @MarriasKitchen and cooking workshops, the CAP aims to inspire teens and young adults to adopt small daily actions that reduce waste. The goal is to foster a culture of sustainability, empowering individuals to make lasting, responsible choices around food.
Full CAP Summary here
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.
CAP Project : Stone Soup Society
Megan’s CAP is an educational program designed to empower at-risk youth by teaching them to use their families SNAP benefits effectively for FLOSN ingredients. The program will address food insecurity, food waste, and ingredient repurposing, equipping students with lifelong skills to manage and understand their food choices. By fostering stronger and healthier relationships with food, Megan aims to break cycles of food insecurity.
Full CAP Summary here
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.
CAP Project, Voices of Science
Callyan’s CAP aims to empower and amplify Indigenous voices while highlighting the coexistence of Traditional Ecological Knowledge with contemporary science. Initially focused on creating an education day for the Wampanoag tribe’s Preserving Our Homelands camp, the project has expanded significantly while maintaining its core mission. It now includes monthly meetings between the tribe and external organizations, outreach to integrate the tribe into local community conversations, and the development of a workshop on revitalizing seal subsistence hunting. The ultimate goal is to establish sustainable, community-driven initiatives that the tribe can manage independently, ensuring they have the resources to continue amplifying their voices.
Full CAP Summary here
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.
CAP Project, Sustain and Sprout
Kylie and Team Sustainable Souls have worked to close the loop on food waste through sustainability and community engagement. The system transforms everyday food scraps into compost to nourish plants in a community garden, creating a cycle: scraps to soil, soil to plants, plants to plate, and plate back to scraps. Planted vegetables are used in the school cafeteria or FACS classes to make nutritious meals. Additional workshops on making “seed bombs” to scatter in neglected places and help pollinators and restore ecosystems encourage the school community to rethink waste, take actions for the planet, and embrace sustainable practices that contribute to a healthier, greener world.
Full CAP Summary here
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.
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.
CAP Project : Lu´um Kuxtal (Earth Life)
Bárbara and Team Eco Rise are focused on addressing water scarcity in Maxcanú, Mexico. Their CAP involves installing a rainwater harvest and filtering system at the local church to provide reliable access to clean water. They will plan future visits to implement workshops to raise awareness, aiming to foster a sense of community and strengthen their relationship and responsibility with water. They hope their project will create a model for other rural communities to follow.
Full CAP Summary here
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
CAP Project : Project AquaRevive
Mahmudur’s CAP is an initiative to tackle the growing water salinity crisis. The project focuses on mitigating harmful effects of shrimp aquaculture, which contributes significantly to seawater intrusion and salinity, disrupting livelihoods and ecosystems. The aim is to promote eco-friendly shrimp farming practices, alternative livelihoods, and sustainable agriculture solutions.
Full CAP Summary here
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.
CAP Project : Kumasi Waste Free Project
Godfred’s CAP addresses the pervasive problem of plastic waste in Kumasi, Ghana, by creating a sustainable, community-driven recycling model that fosters entrepreneurship, provides employment opportunities, and promotes environmental responsibility. Through the collection, processing, and transformation of plastic waste into valuable products like bins, school desks and reusable bags, it aims to reduce plastic pollution, empower vulnerable populations, and build a more circular and sustainable economy.
Full CAP Summary here
Eugene Cordero is a scientist with a deep love for data and numbers, a Ph.D. in atmospheric science, and a background at NASA, and most importantly, an incredibly inspiring passion for catalyzing environmental solutions through education. As a professor at San José State University, he led a research team funded by NASA and the NSF, revealing how students yield significant improvements in engagement and achievement when provided the opportunity to make a difference in real-world problems. Mobilized by his findings, Eugene created Green Ninja, an innovative, project-based middle school science curriculum that cultivates environmental literacy and leadership.
