SLG: Sustainability Leadership Group

“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.”

“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.”

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“I’m so excited to work with the SLG ’27 team this year! We have an amazing group of student leaders, hailing from around the world, who have a wide range of interests and a common passion for sustainability. The Wake Forest Office of Sustainability is all about empowering leadership for the sustainability transformation, and that’s exactly what SLG does. Seeing students develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence while 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.

“Having been part of SLG ’26, I loved getting to know and work with my group members throughout the year on different activities, discussions, and later on our projects. I truly believe that sustainability is the issue of our generation, and I’m very hopeful that we’ll be able to tackle it thanks to groups like SLG that create community around sustainability. I’m extremely excited to get to know the incoming SLG team, hear what they have to say about sustainability, get to work with them on their projects, and have lots of fun together throughout the year!”