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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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SLG30

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 ’30

Annabel Bridger

Palm Beach, FL

Majors: Communication; Environment and Sustainability Studies | Minor: Studio Art

“I joined SLG because I believe meaningful environmental change starts with getting people to care. Through my work in wild Atlantic salmon conservation, I’ve seen how communication and creativity can make complex environmental issues feel personal, understandable, and worth acting on. To me, sustainability leadership is about more than individual choices; it’s about bringing people into the conversation and showing how our actions connect to something larger. I’m excited to be part of a community that makes sustainability feel engaging, shared, and possible at Wake and beyond.”

 

Lily Mac Dennard

she/her

Atlanta, GA

Major: Biology

“I feel that nature has always been a consistent healing force for me when I needed it. My hope is to preserve and care for it not only in gratitude, but also as a way to provide others with that safe space.”

 

Charlotte Doud

she/her

Winston-Salem, NC

Majors: Environment and Sustainability Studies; Communication | Minor: Journalism

“I decided to join SLG because I want to use my passion for the environment and sustainable living to create change in my community by educating others and implementing impactful projects on campus. My sustainability journey began in the classroom, where I learned about issues that sparked my enthusiasm, and ever since then, I have been driven by the idea that small actions can create meaningful change.”

 

Jack Friedman

Brevard, NC

Major: Engineering (Civil & Environmental) | Minor: Physics

“I joined SLG to continue to grow my skills in environmental and sustainability leadership to help the world around me and to grow skills in sustainability-focused communication and leadership that I will use through the rest of my life and career!”

 

Josh Hanson

he/him

Swedesboro, NJ

Major: Biology | Minor: Environmental Science

“I really want to meet new people and have new experiences. I feel like SLG will give me the space where I can truly be myself. I hope by the end of the semester that I can make a difference, no matter how big or small, because the environment is something I truly care about.”

 

Jordan Harris

Livingston, NJ

Major: History | Minor: Statistics

“I decided to join SLG ’30 because I had a very positive experience in AP Environmental Science, and due to my lifelong passion for America’s National Parks. I am motivated to make an impact at Wake Forest and beyond because I believe it is important to leave the world in a better place than we found it.”

Azielle Jacobs

she/her

Cookeville, TN

Major: Politics and International Affairs | Minors: Philosophy; Environmental Studies

“Driven by my love for Mother Nature, I decided to join SLG ’30 to express my care for the environment and gain a better understanding of sustainable practices. I believe that it is the small habits that produce lasting change, and I am excited to collaborate with like-minded peers to create a greener future for everyone. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to care for the planet in ways that feel both accessible and impactful.”

Kaiya Jones

she/her

Bellevue, WA

Major: Environment and Sustainability Studies

“Growing up in the PNW, I was surrounded by nature and greenery. I would spend hours hiking in the Cascade mountains, or swimming in Lake Washington. As I grew older, I would notice differences to the water and land, whether it was more dead fish floating in August, or rows of trees cleared out by fires. These changes concerned me and inspired me to want to make a difference.”

Ava Pyrtle

she/her

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies | Minor: Cultural Heritage & Preservation Studies

“I joined SLG ’30 because a recycling bin should not require detective work. I want to make sustainability genuinely accessible for people from all backgrounds, especially those who are disabled and/or neurodivergent. What drives me is noticing when a system technically works but still leaves people out. I want to help create spaces where participation feels clear and natural, not like another task people have to figure out alone!”

 

Araceli Recentes

she/her

Raleigh & Durham, NC

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minors: Engineering; Entrepreneurship

“Rarely do we trace our problems beneath the surface to see how interconnected they are, or recognize the resources we already have to solve them creatively. Whatever the problem, resources, or restraints, we can still compromise and make a difference. I joined SLG ’30 to apply these principles to sustainability issues my peers and I care about, grow as a communicator and leader, and embellish my passion for future entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and medicinal pursuits.“

 

Allie Reisert

Wantagh, NY

Major: Undecided | Minor: Entrepreneurship

“I decided to join SLG ’30 to continue my passion for environmental conservation here at Wake Forest. Through SLG, I hope to work with my peers to combat environmental issues and offer a fresh perspective to educate others, create initiatives, and make tangible differences on campus that contribute to a more sustainable future.“

 

Logan Sklare

Deerfield, IL

Major: Finance

“I joined SLG ’30 because sustainability has been a constant thread in my life. From AP Environmental Science to hiking to just being conscious about waste and recycling at home, I try to be eco-friendly. What drives me is wanting that awareness to translate into something concrete on campus. I’m excited to help Wake Forest build systems that make sustainable choices the easy, default choice for students.”

Cristy Tawedrose

she/her

Ellicott City, MD

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minor: Arabic Literature

“I joined SLG because I believe human wellbeing and the environment are deeply connected. I have always loved nature and valued the sense of connection it gives us to the world around us. Learning more about sustainability in high school and seeing how differently people live in other parts of the world made me think more carefully about what we use and what we waste. I see SLG as a first step toward helping create a healthier, more balanced future.”

 

Natalie Vargas Kitchens

Raleigh, NC

Majors: Politics and International Affairs; Spanish

“I decided to join SLG because it represents the initiative it takes to make change for the collective good. The power of influence and how it can be used for this good motivates me to continue finding ways to make meaningful differences in day to day life. I love thrifting, minimizing waste, and going outside as much as possible. I make it my personal mission to be the change I’d like to see in the world.”

 

Natalie Vargas Kitchens

she/her

Mebane, NC

Major: Biology | Minor: Environmental Science/Studies

“I joined SLG ’30 because I want to make a positive impact on campus while making close friends. I am very passionate about marine conservation, which drives me to do my part in minimizing human impact on marine ecosystems.”

 

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