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.
The Three Pillars of SLG
Leadership
SLG members develop leadership skills through workshops, guest speakers and panels, group discussions, and – most importantly – 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 a culture where there are no failures, only opportunities to improve.
Education
No prior sustainability knowledge or experience is required! We take the time to bring you up to speed on the latest science on the climate crisis, sustainability at Wake, environmental and climate justice, and the psychology behind social change efforts. Even if you already consider yourself 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, coordinate with campus leaders like RAs, and ultimately put together your own group project that makes 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.
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).
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, environmental and climate justice, 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.
Meet Your SLG ’28 Coordinators
Brian Cohen
Assistant Director, Sustainability Engagement
he/him
“It’s hard to believe that SLG is already entering its sixth 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 Owen 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.”
Owen Sawyer (’27)
SLG Student Coordinator
he/him/his
Majors: Economics, Philosophy
“I joined SLG to find a cohort of fellow students who share my passion for the environment. In learning from each other and working towards a better future for all, I think we can really make positive change for our community here at Wake and elsewhere. I want to use my passion for the environment and interest in business to hopefully one day advocate for sustainable business practice and processes.”
Meet SLG ’27
Syed Abdullah
Lahore, Pakistan
Major: Mathematics; Computer Science
I figured SLG was a brilliant opportunity to learn more about sustainability issues and gain knowledge and skills. I have a desire to make a positive impact on the environment by participating in initiatives that promote sustainability and reduce environmental harm.
Beatty Cathey
Ligonier, PA
Major: Environmental Studies; Politics and International Affairs
I decided to join SLG ‘27 because I love spending time outdoors, learning about the environment, and helping out my community. Through SLG ’27, I’m looking forward to learning about current efforts and finding new ways to make Wake as environmentally friendly as possible!
Anna Dickson
Falls Church, VA
Major: Business | Minor: Environmental Science
I joined SLG ’27 to continue my interest in sustainability. I want to participate in a group that develops leadership skills while being surrounded by like-minded individuals who love to learn about the environment. I want to be a part of the change that our generation is working toward when combating our numerous climate issues. Knowing that I can start this journey through SLG ’27 drives my passion for sustainability even further!
Dany Doughan
Atlanta, GA
Major: Biology
I joined SLG ‘27 to educate my peers on the impact that sustainable practices have on our environment. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the environment because I want to combat climate change and promote eco-friendly processes.
Sam Helman
he/him
Columbia, SC
Major: Psychology | Minor: Japanese
During my pre-orientation program, my group went to volunteer at the Campus Garden and I really enjoyed my time there. I learned there was a first-year sustainability program from one of the interns, and I knew I wanted to be a part of their operations in some way. My motivation for joining SLG was having the opportunity to improve my school’s environment through sustainability projects and collaborating with students, staff, and Wake Forest faculty.
Hayley Irvine
she/her
Pennington, NJ
Major: Business and Enterprise Management
I’ve always been very passionate about the environment and sustainability studies, and my goal is to help create a more sustainable future. I’ve spent time working and learning from communities worldwide about their sustainable approaches and seeing firsthand our influence on the Earth. SLG allows me to collaborate with other young individuals to educate the community and impact Wake Forest’s environment.
Ahlanna-Nikole Jackson
she/her
Washington, DC
Major: Political Science; Anthropology
Growing up in an urban community, it was common to see piles of trash scattered across sidewalks and roads. In my classes and even in my home there was no emphasis on sustainable living and no care for the environment. I decided to join SLG because I want to help create communities that are more environmentally conscious and knowledgeable about ways to sustain our planet for future generations. As global warming continues to become a pressing issue in our society, I think it is important that more individuals, especially Generation Z, use their power and voice to advocate for more education around how to live sustainably and how to build environmentally friendly spaces.
Claire Kroeger
she/her
Powell, OH
Major: Health and Exercise Science | Minor: Neuroscience
I joined SLG ’27 because I wanted to learn about the word that always proves difficult to define: sustainability. Working several part-time jobs in high school showed me how easy it is for an establishment to sweep its wasteful practices under the rug, and I wondered how the entire Earth wasn’t covered in plastic. My hope is that SLG will give me the tools to improve the sustainability practices of both Wake and my hometown.
Molly Pan
she/her
Shanghai, China
Major: Psychology; Mathematical Business
Sustainable development has been a hot topic in recent years. But many people don’t know enough about sustainability. I want to do something for the environment as a student leader. SLG’27 is a loving group of student leaders aiming to keep the Forest green.
Hongyun Peng
She/her
Shenzhen, China
Major: Applied Statistics
Growing up in a coastal city, I found my passion in marine sustainability. Seeing and learning about the seriousness of current marine pollution and other environmental issues became my primary motivation to join SLG and to make an impact. This year with SLG, I would love to learn more sustainability knowledge and contribute to make our Wake Forest community and the Earth a more sustainable place.
Kayleigh Quinn
she/her
Westfield, NJ
Major: Health & Exercise Science | Minor: Engineering
I decided to join SLG to help drive meaningful change as a part of the university’s sustainability efforts and positively impact the planet. I am excited to use my sustainable gardening experience to further our campus’s environmental initiatives. My desire to live in a healthier and greener world makes me passionate about sustainability. It is essential to talk about sustainability to drive change, make change, and see the change needed in the world.
Owen Sawyer
he/him
Mebane, NC
Major: Business & Enterprise Management | Minor: Environmental Studies
I joined SLG to find a cohort of fellow students who share my passion for the environment. In learning from each other and working towards a better future for all, I think we can really make positive change for our community here at Wake and elsewhere. I want to use my passion for the environment and interest in business to hopefully one day advocate for sustainable business practice and processes.
Aastha Shukla
Montvale, NJ
Major: Health & Exercise Science | Minor: Biology
I joined SLG to broaden my knowledge on other topics in sustainability in addition to scientific research. Seeing different factors of sustainability intersect in unique ways has always been interesting to me. I also loved the idea of using the concepts we learn in SLG and applying it to on-campus initiatives to effect change.
Sierra Smith
she/her
Easton, PA
Major: Chemistry, Biochemistry | Minor: Environmental Studies
My connection to and fascination with the environment leads me to be profoundly impacted by the human-caused issues of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. While the scale of these issues is global, I thought the first to place make a meaningful difference was in my new home: Wake Forest. SLG ‘27 has given me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of pressing environmental issues and use my knowledge to educate and initiate sustainable change at my school, and broader NC, community. I am grateful to have found my place among a group of other deeply passionate, purpose-driven peers.
Dominik Srnensky
he/him
Morristown, NJ
Major: Undecided | Minor: Environmental Studies
Since high school, I’ve become more and more interested in sustainability topics. For one, I love the Earth and the outdoors and am passionate about keeping it as pure as possible. SLG also explores sustainable remedies to modern day issues. Through joining this group my eyes are more open to how everything around me has sustainable features, or needs it. Just how the world needs more sustainability.
Justin Yang
Fort Mill, SC
Major: Business & Enterprise Management
From the first time harvesting carrots in my backyard garden to leading an environmental based club in high school, sustainability has always piqued my interests. Being in SLG allows me to pursue my passions for sustainability and, most importantly, leadership. I hope to become a mindful and impactful individual that inspires others to promote positive change.
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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