History
The Sustainability Leadership Group (SLG) is a program designed specifically for sustainability-minded first-year students to gain leadership experience early on in their Wake Forest careers. The inaugural SLG team, SLG ’23, formed in the fall of 2019 and was composed of an eager group of first-year students who served as peer leaders in their respective residence halls.
Now with over 100 SLG alumni, the program has established itself as the premier leadership opportunity for new Deacs who share a passion for sustainability.
How It Works
We kick off SLG with an orientation where members learn the basics and meet their teammates, and follow that up with an off-campus retreat. SLG then meets weekly, where we focus on developing leadership skills, teaching each other about and discussing sustainability, and building community. In addition to team meetings, members work together to build community with the rest of the first-year class and work in teams to develop initiatives and projects that they execute on their own time.
SLG team members have the opportunity to learn about and work on a variety of topics, including carbon reduction, distribution of climate impacts, waste minimization, environmental education, civic action, behavior change psychology, and more. We also have plenty of opportunities to have fun and bond with one another through (optional, but highly encouraged) movie nights, meals, Campus Garden volunteer sessions, local hikes, and more! SLG is a group that truly belongs to its members; you get out of it as much as you put in.
The Three Pillars of SLG
Leadership
SLG members develop leadership skills through workshops, guest speakers, group discussions, and action. While the program sets the foundation for your development, you’re encouraged to take the next step on your own (with the team’s support, of course). Step out of your comfort zone, discover your leadership style, and gain first-hand experience in an environment where development is prioritized above all else.
Education
No prior sustainability knowledge or experience is required! One of the goals of SLG is to make sure that everyone gains a solid understanding of climate science, sustainability at Wake, distribution of climate impacts, and the psychology behind social change efforts. Whether you’re new to sustainability or a seasoned expert, you’re bound to learn something new. SLG is a great way to discover your passion and chart your path forward at Wake Forest.
Community Building
Through fun team bonding activities, collaborative meetings, interactive workshops, group outreach, and the occasional outdoor excursion, SLG members get to know each other pretty well! The sense of community we work hard to develop extends outside the group as well, as you’ll engage with other students, create sustainability-themed events, and collaborate with campus leaders like RAs and Faculty Fellows as you work to leave a lasting impact on campus.
Mission
The mission of SLG is to develop students into impactful leaders who work together to spread a culture of sustainability throughout the first-year class at Wake Forest and beyond. This mission is achieved through three pillars: leadership development, education, and community building.
Application Season
SLG members are selected through an application process that is made available to incoming first-year students each summer. All incoming first-year students are eligible, regardless of knowledge and experience.
Applications for SLG ’29 are closed.
Working with SLG
SLG is all about collaboration. If you are a student organization, staff, or faculty member and would like to learn how you can work with SLG, please email Brian Cohen (cohenbj@wfu.edu).
News & Updates
- Apply to join the Wake Forest Class of 2029 Sustainability Leadership Group (SLG’29)Call for First-Year Student Leaders Incoming first-year students who are looking to develop […]
- Congratulations, Class of 2025 Interns!As we celebrate all Wake Forest graduates this spring, we want to give […]
Meet Your SLG ’29 Coordinators

Brian Cohen
Assistant Director, Sustainability Engagement
he/him
“It’s hard to believe that SLG is already entering its seventh year! The program has only gotten stronger over time, thanks to the ambition, passion, and commitment of our members and the guidance of our SLG Student Coordinators. I’m excited to work alongside Ethen as we welcome the Class of 2028 and work together to develop the next cohort of peer leaders for sustainability. Empowering others to lead in the sustainability transformation while simultaneously building a tight-knit community is what I find most rewarding about my job, and it’s something that never gets old. I’m eager to see what this group will accomplish and how they’ll lead their peers in impactful change on campus and beyond.”

Ethan Anderson
SLG Student Coordinator
“I applied for SLG last year in hopes of finding a group of first-years with a shared passion for the environment. Now, I’m ecstatic to be building and guiding a new cohort of leaders and educators within this incoming class! Through our initiatives, I look forward to changing our campus and communities for the better, and I cannot wait to grow in experience, knowledge, and impact with our future members.”
Meet SLG ’29

Aanyae Anderson
She/Her
Newark, DE
Majors: Environmental Science; Economics | Minor: Japanese
“I decided to join SLG because I’m passionate about environmental science and sustainability. I’d like to make an impact in my community to contribute to sustainability on campus. I’m driven by a desire to give back to my community and the opportunity to indulge in my curiosities as much as I can.”

Riley Arm
She/Her
Westhampton Beach, NY
Major: Environment and Sustainability Studies| Minor: Business
“I joined SLG ’29 because I want to be part of a team that creates meaningful change in our community while developing strong leadership skills. My passion started with my love for travel, which opened my eyes to different cultures, challenges, and ways people support one another. Experiencing these diverse communities inspired me to take action locally, applying the lessons I’ve learned from the world to make a positive impact at home.”

Lindsey Bona
Randolph, NJ
Majors: Environmental Science; Business and Enterprise Management
“I decided to join SLG ’29 because I’ve always cared about the environment and keeping my community clean and sustainable. Seeing how many environmental issues affect us today motivates me to take action. I’m passionate about making a real impact, especially in ways that protect our planet, and I want to work with others who feel the same, turning that passion into meaningful change in my community here at Wake Forest.”

Kaydence Everts
She/Her
Madison, WI
Major: Politics and International Affairs | Minors: Environmental Studies; Contemporary Global Studies
“I joined SLG ’29 because I wanted to become a better leader and learn more about sustainability while genuinely making a difference on campus.”

Sharae Freeman
Majors: Business and Enterprise Management; Sociology | Minor: Dance
“I joined because sustainability, to me, is about helping others see how their actions connect to larger systems and showing that responsibility can be shared and is achievable. It’s about making sustainable choices feel approachable and meaningful rather than overwhelming, and inspiring others to be a part of the process. As an SLG member, I’d like to create a sense of shared responsibility on campus, encouraging people to get involved, take ownership, and feel proud of the impact they’re making.”

Ian Goldenberg
he/him
Charlotte, NC
Major: Biology (BS) | Minors: Environmental Science; Psychology; Theatre
“I decided to join SLG ’29 because I have been passionate about the environment and sustainability for as long as I can remember, ever since I was a child. This program is a perfect outlet for this passion at Wake Forest as it serves as a truly meaningful way to impact my new community and be a force for positive change. I have a deep passion for educating others about how to protect nature.”

Paige Harrell
Majors: Politics and International Affairs; Theatre | Minor: Environmental Science
“Working in the agricultural field throughout high school led me to a significant interest in regenerative farming techniques, ones that prioritize working with nature rather than against it. This philosophy spills over into so many other facets of sustainability, and just life itself! I believe every one of us is called to care for the Earth with purposeful care and commitment, and am so excited to help cultivate that culture within our community!”

Gavin Hewston
he/him
Selma, AL
Major: Politics and International Affairs
“I have always loved any area where my passion for nature and policy overlaps. Being part of SLG ‘29 means that I have an opportunity to make an impact and be a leader on a particular issue that matters to me.”

Guilherme Joseph
He/Him
Brazil
Major: Biology | Minor: Neuroscience
“I joined SLG ’29 because I want to contribute to meaningful change at the intersection of sustainability and health. As a future physician, I believe that the environment and human well-being are deeply connected. Climate change, pollution, and limited access to clean resources all contribute to disease and health disparities. I am passionate about addressing these challenges and see this group as an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and create initiatives that make a lasting impact.”

Nicole Karnoub
Short Hills, NJ
Major: Chemistry
“I decided to join SLG ’29 because sustainability is at the crossroads of environmental protection, social equity, and economic success. While at first people may think of the general terms like reduce, reuse, recycle, I see sustainability’s deeper meaning: ensuring future generations have the same, if not better, access to resources. This challenge, while intimidating, motivates me. I want to explore innovative approaches, connect with like-minded peers, and make meaningful contributions to the Wake Forest community.”

Leila Malave
She/Her
Orlando, FL
Major: Politics and International Affairs | Minor: Psychology
“I’ve always believed small actions can spark larger change, whether through reducing waste, supporting food access, or encouraging others to think about their role in community wellbeing. My experiences in service and leadership have shown me how collaboration can turn individual efforts into something much greater. I want to grow alongside others who share that same drive, learning how to connect ideas, cultures, and people to create solutions that last beyond ourselves.”

Catherine McElroy
she/her
Shreveport, LA
Major: Undecided | Minor: French
“I decided to join SLG because I’m passionate about environmental science and sustainability. I’d like to make an impact in my community to contribute to sustainability on campus. I’m driven by a desire to give back to my community and the opportunity to indulge in my curiosities as much as I can.”

Sam Ruano
She/Her
East Hampton, NY
Major: Environment and Sustainability Studies
“I joined SLG ’29 in the hopes to have a better understanding of the environment and sustainable practices that I can continue in this community, but also bring back to my own community at home.”

Paul Rugaber
He/Him
Arlington, VA
Major: Engineering (Environmental) | Minor: Environmental Science/Studies
“I decided to join SLG because after taking AP Environmental Science my senior year of high school, I realized that the time to act is now. We can’t sit around and wait for the world’s problems to be solved, we have to solve them ourselves. To me, the most pressing of those problems are the ones threatening our world, and SLG was the best way to start combatting those problems.”

Evie Skye McEwan-Debney
Houston, TX
Majors: Economics; Politics and International Relations | Minor: Global Trade and Commerce Studies
“I joined SLG’29 because I believe it stands for what sustainability leadership should be—helping others recognise that their small collective sustainable actions can lead to meaningful change. It’s not about expecting perfection; it’s about making sustainability feel attainable, engaging, and empowering, especially in a world where the scale of environmental issues can often feel overwhelming. I am driven to do just this, and am honoured to be able to help support and lead my community for the greater good of our climate!”
Syed Abdullah | Mathematics; Computer Science | Lahore, Pakistan
Beatty Cathey| Environmental Studies; Politics and International Affairs | Ligonier, PA
Anna Dickson | Business | Falls Church, VA
Dany Doughan | Biology | Atlanta, GA
Sam Helman | Psychology | Columbia, SC
Hayley Irvine| Business and Enterprise Management | Pennington, NJ
Ahlanna-Nikole Jackson | Political Science; Anthropology | Washington, DC
Claire Kroeger | Health and Exercise Science | Powell, OH
Molly Pan | Psychology; Mathematical Business | Shanghai, China
Hongyun Peng | Applied Statistics | Shenzhen, China
Kayleigh Quinn | Health & Exercise Science | Westfield, NJ
Owen Sawyer | Business & Enterprise Management | Mebane, NC
Aastha Shukla | Health & Exercise Science | Montvale, NJ
Sierra Smith | Chemistry; Biochemistry | Easton, PA
Dominik Srnensky | Undecided | Morristown, NJ
Justin Yang | Business & Enterprise Management | Fort Mill, SC
SLG ’27 Student Coordinator:
Juan Londono (’26) | Economics; Philosophy | Miami, FL
Brooke Accatino | Engineering | Newington, CT
Mateo Aguirre| Environmental Science | Somerville, NJ
Ethan Anderson | Undecided | Tampa, FL
David Burda | Politics and International Affairs; Environment and Sustainability Studies | Kansas City, KS
Cayden Hart | Environment and Sustainability Studies; Political Science | Aiken, SC
Daniela Henriques| Business and Enterprise Management | Short Hills, NJ
Janiyah Lewis| Biomedical Engineering | Brownsburg, IN
Emily Malorny| Engineering | Hinsdale, IL
Giavanna Moscardino | Politics and International Affairs; Economics | Long Island, NY
Temitope Ogunyomade | Biology | Houston, TX
Abby Ondos| Environmental Engineering | Pittsburgh, PA
Kat Petty| English; Business and Enterprise Management| Atlanta, GA
Ava Runz| Environment and Sustainability Studies; Business and Enterprise Management | Easton, MD
JD Tenney| Engineering; Environmental Science | Pittsburgh, PA
Catie Waugh | Engineering | Murfreesboro, TN
Natalie Bridgman | Biology; Chemistry; Philosophy | Statesville, NC
Kameron Collins | History; Politics and International Affairs | Farmington, CT
Kaelyn DeCorte | Biology; French Studies; Health & Exercise Science | Southampton, PA
Olivia Delgado | Biology | Rock Hill, SC
Emily Hollander | Politics and International Affairs | Pleasantville, NY
Zeph Hollenbeck | Biology | Durham, NC
Ella Klein | Environment and Sustainability Studies | Winston-Salem, NC
Juan Londono | Economics; Philosophy | Miami, FL
Will Ray | Accountancy | Montgomery, AL
Reagan Smith | Medical Chemistry | Orange County, CA
Parker Smith | Environmental Science | Hong Kong, China
Anna Topmiller | Biology | Fort Wayne, IN
Sidney White | Psychology; Sociology | Birmingham, AL
Emily Xiao | Biophysics | Lexington, KY
Beza Zelalem | African American Studies | Charlotte, NC
SLG ’26 Student Coordinator:
Sophie Eldridge (’25) | Biology; Politics and International Affairs | Boca Raton, FL
Harry Apazidis | Philosophy | St. James, NY
Sophie Eldridge | Biology; Politics & International Affairs | Boca Raton, FL
Isabella Gerace | Environment & Sustainability Studies; Spanish | Reading, PA
Michael Huang | Chemistry; Environmental Science | Shanghai, China
Sophie Keeley | Psychology | Fairfield, CT
Aidan Norris | Engineering
Kayla Peale | Economics; Environment & Sustainability Studies | Arlington, VA
Emma Rohrer | Newton, MA
Eric Rosenblum | Business & Enterprise Management | Natick, MA
Berkeley Scharf | Environment & Sustainability Studies | Wrightsville Beach, NC
Harper Shanly | Environment & Sustainability Studies | Blowing Rock, NC
Mia Springer | Biology | Lake Forest, IL
J Thompson | Alpharetta, GA
Claudia Vasbinder | Communication; Env. & Sustainability Studies | Charlotte, NC
Wendy Wei | Applied Statistics; Philosophy | Lexington, KY
Alisa Zhu | Finance; Philosophy | Vancouver, Canada / Shanghai, China
SLG ’25 Student Coordinators:
Dan O’Connell (’24) | Economics; Politics and International Affairs | Wyckoff, NJ
Meredith Power (’23) | Communication; Environment & Sustainability Studies | Hillsborough, CA
Judy Assaad | Psychology | Selma, AL
Pedro Bravo | Computer Science; Economics | Old Greenwich, CT
Evelyn Corbett | Dillingham, AK
Georgia Cowie | Psychology | Palo Alto, CA
Maggie Cowher | Computer Science | Concord, NC
Alyssa Dendle | Business & Entrprise Management; French Studies | Dallas, TX
Mel Donnelly | Biology; French Studies | Oakwood, OH
Nick Dowling | Environment & Sustainability Studies | Wyomissing, PA
Carolina Gonzalez Gutierrez | History | Star, NC
Clarkson Graham | Economics; Health & Exercise Science | Charlotte, NC
Khalil Gueye | Economics; Politics & International Affairs | Wake Forest, NC
Natasha Heisenberg | Environmental Science | Mount Kisco, NY
Aditya Jamwal | Biology | Morrisville, NC
Daryna Lapomarede | Health & Exercise Science | Orlando, FL
Rebekah Lassiter | Art History; Biology | Collierville, TN
Sofia Maldonado | Biology | Winston-Salem, NC
Erin Maxwell | Biology; Spanish | Hixson, TN
Madeline Mayr | Environment & Sustainability Studies | Dublin, OH
Spencer McKenzie | English; Environmental Science | Queenstown, MD
Camille Murashige | Environment & Sustainability Studies | Plano, TX
Dan O’Connell | Economics; Politics & Int’l Affairs | Wyckoff, NJ
Mia Pagnani | Psychology | Washington, NC
Mary Elizabeth Pifer | Environment & Sustainability Studies | Irmo, SC
Ashlyn Segler | Communication; Environment & Sustainability Studies | Marietta, GA
Sevi Solares | Biology | Lighthouse Point, FL
Ellie Weber | Biology | Bainbridge Island, WA
Una Wilson | Biology | Winston-Salem, NC
Emy Yamamoto | Business & Enterprise Mgmt.; Psychology | Sao Paolo, Brazil
Ty Zanders | Biology | Baton Rouge, LA
SLG ’24 Student Coordinator:
Meredith Power (’23) | Communication; Environment & Sustainability Studies | Hillsborough, CA
Khushi Arya| Economics | New Delhi, India
Michaela Barrett | English | Cape Town, South Africa
Owen Bell | Politics & International Affairs | Oak Island, NC
Madeline Boyd | Environmental Science | Beverly, MA
Jordan Bramley | Philosophy | Wilmington, NC
Karly Bruder | Politics & International Affairs | Hanover, NH
Katie Bullock | English | Kansas City, MO
Gretchen Castelloe | Environmental Science | Oakboro, NC
Gaby de la Vega | Spanish | Miami, FL
Lydia Evans | Anthropology | Winston-Salem, NC
Amanda Gage | Communication | Chatham, NJ
Mac Grosscup | Biology | New York, NY
Sarah Kirby | Bethesda, MD
Julia Lauterbach | Engineering | Columbia, SC
Christian Lee | Medicinal Chemistry | Garner, NC
Sam Lowenhar | Biology; Chemistry | Belle Mead, NJ
Josie Luizzi | Economics; Psychology | Brookfield, CT
Lainey Markman | Psychology | Tampa, FL
Sanford Miller | Finance | Westfield, NJ
Lucy Owen | Art History | Columbia, SC
Sebastian Pauli | Engineering | San Juan, Puerto Rico
Meredith Power | Communication; Env. & Sustainability Studies | Hillsborough, CA
Ellie Proffitt | Environment & Sustainability Studies | Covington, GA
Charlotte Ramirez | Environmental Science | Marietta, GA
Kelly Templeton | Psychology; Sociology | Winston-Salem, NC
Malindi Whyte | Applied Mathematics | Brookline, MA
Ben Wilcox | Health & Exercise Science | Greensboro, NC
Brian Wong | Mathematical Business | Fresh Meadows, NY
Caroline Zack | Biochemistry & Molecular Biology | Sewickley, PA
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