On Sunday, Feb. 16, the Pittsburgh Youth Leaders in Sustainability network — led by members of CMU’s Sustainability Initiative team — hosted Pathways to Impact: Careers in Sustainability. Students from universities across Pittsburgh gathered to connect with 10 different employers from sustainability-related organizations to network, discuss goals and challenges, and explore potential career options.
Network founders Aleena Siddiqui, a junior in the College of Engineering, College of Engineering senior Purva Bommireddy, and Mellon College of Science senior Camden Johnson invited members from organizations like Allegheny CleanWays, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, and Western PA Conservancy to meet with students and share how sustainability impacts their careers.
All of the organizations in attendance were actively looking for students to become involved. Attendees had the chance to meet with local organizations one-on-one, and explore potential job, internship, or volunteer opportunities for this spring or summer. The event also included a sustainability certification workshop led by the Green Building Alliance.
Students interested in joining the Pittsburgh Youth Leaders in Sustainability network can reach out to Sustainability Initiative Director Alex Hiniker for more information. To stay up-to-date on other Sustainability Initiative events, follow @sustainablecmu on Instagram.
Undergraduate and graduate students from CMU, the University of Pittsburgh, and Chatham University gathered in the Tepper School of Business to make connections and explore career options that center sustainability.
College of Engineering junior Aleena Siddiqui, Tepper School of Business first-year Ameena George, and Mellon College of Science senior Camden Johnson welcomed attendees to the check-in table at the start of the event.
Dilann Harris, youth programs coordinator and administrative assistant at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, engaged her table in a small group discussion about navigating a career in sustainability. The conversation sparked questions about bridging the gaps between science, the arts, and sustainability.
Community Organizer Cheryl Stephens from Pittsburghers for Public Transit shares some of her organization’s goals and recruiting materials with her small group.
College of Engineering senior Purva Bommireddy, Siddiqui, and Johnson guided attendees through the event schedule.
Program Manager Martin Harvey walks his table through some of the ways Sustainable Pittsburgh empowers decision-making that builds a fundamentally equitable, resilient, healthy, and prosperous region.
Karma Lisa Edwards, senior director of Workforce Development and Green & Healthy Schools at the Green Building Alliance, led a workshop about different sustainability certifications available to professionals.
Students learn about the ways sustainability certifications can impact their careers and set them up for success in a variety of fields.