The University of Wisconsin–Madison is proud to announce Emiliana Almanza Lopez as its 2019 Newman Civic Fellow.
Lopez joins 262 community-committed students representing Campus Compact member colleges and universities from 39 states, Washington, D.C., Mexico and Greece.
Newman Civic Fellows are nominated by university presidents and chancellors for their potential for public leadership and commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Fellows will participate in leadership development, networking events and a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows.
Lopez was nominated by UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank for her commitment to environmental justice.
A third-year undergraduate majoring in Environmental Sciences and Sociology, Lopez combines her unique understanding of both hard and social sciences to tackle important issues confronting the environmental justice movement.
As an intern at UW-Madison’s Multicultural Student Center (MSC), she develops and facilitates social justice workshops focused specifically on environmental sustainability and the need to bridge the gap between science and society, resulting in long lasting social and legislative change. Students across campus are welcome to attend.
During Lopez’s year as a Newman Civic Fellow, she hopes to bring her workshops to the surrounding Madison community to foster local passion for sustainability with an equity lens.
She plans to collaborate with community organizations and local government to combat environmental injustices ranging from food deserts, safe drinking water, air quality and access to nature.
The Newman Civic Fellowship was created in honor of Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for the role of higher education in preparing students for active and engaged citizenship.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is generously supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation. The 2019 Newman Civic Fellows are an inspiring group of community-committed students who are already making an impact in communities where they live, learn and serve.