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SLG: Sustainability Leadership Group

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 130 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 members getting to know their teammates and learning the basics of sustainability and its prominent role on Wake’s campus, 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 and growth—not perfection—are prioritized.

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 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 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 ’30 are now open!
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 ().

News & Updates

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Meet Your SLG ’30 Coordinators

Brian Cohen

Assistant Director, Sustainability Engagement

he/him

“Wake students are inherently passionate, committed, and ambitious, three qualities that are maximized by strong social bonds, shared goals, and a culture of optimism and excitement. After seven years of leading SLG, what I’m most proud of is the strong sense of community we’ve built among the cohorts. Whether it’s a group of students launching a successful initiative they never thought possible or a first-year simply meeting their best friend, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the power of community. I’m excited to work alongside Paul as we welcome the Class of 2030 and help develop and empower the next group of sustainability leaders!”

Paul Rugaber

SLG Student Coordinator

he/him

Arlington, VA

“​I wanted to be the SLG coordinator after my fantastic year in SLG because I want to continue to develop other leaders who are also passionate about sustainability. I look forward to seeing all that SLG ’30 accomplishes and am excited to help them in any way I can.”

 

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!”

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