Jaleia Latson 15 April 2025 2 minute read
Serving as an RCE Student Coordinator has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has deepened my understanding of sustainability and community engagement. This role has not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts at Spelman College but has also helped me grow both personally and professionally. Through my work in the Sustainability Office and my involvement in orchestrating the Race Mentorship Program, I have gained invaluable insights into the intersection of environmental responsibility, social equity, and leadership.
One of the most significant insights I have gained from this role is the interconnectedness of sustainability and community engagement. While many perceive sustainability as solely an environmental concern, I have come to understand that it is just as much about people as it is about the planet. In my work at the Sustainability Office, I have had the opportunity to work on projects that address waste reduction, energy efficiency, and climate awareness.
However, I have also witnessed firsthand how sustainability efforts must be inclusive and culturally relevant to be effective. Engaging students, faculty, and community members in these initiatives has reinforced my belief that sustainability must be a collective effort that considers diverse perspectives.
Like any leadership role, being an RCE Student Coordinator has presented its challenges. One of the primary challenges has been encouraging broader student participation in sustainability initiatives. Many students care about sustainability but may not know how to get involved or feel that their individual actions won’t make a difference. Addressing this challenge required creative outreach strategies, such as hosting interactive workshops, leveraging social media, and collaborating with student organizations to integrate sustainability into their programming.
Through these efforts, I have learned the importance of meeting people where they are and making sustainability more accessible and engaging. Another challenge has been balancing the logistical aspects of program coordination with the need to build meaningful relationships. When working on the Race Mentorship Program, I realized that while planning events and structuring mentorship sessions were essential, the true impact came from fostering genuine connections between mentors and mentees. This required patience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how to create spaces where dialogue on race, sustainability, and leadership could thrive.
Reflecting on my time as an RCE Student Coordinator, I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and lessons this role has provided. It has reinforced my passion for sustainability and shown me the power of grassroots initiatives in creating lasting change. I have developed strong organizational and communication skills, learned how to navigate challenges with resilience, and, most importantly, witnessed the profound impact of mentorship and education in advancing sustainability goals.
As I move forward, I am committed to continuing this work in new capacities, advocating for sustainable practices in all areas of life, and empowering others to recognize their role in creating a more just and sustainable world. My time in the Sustainability Office and my role in the Race Mentorship Program have shaped my perspective in ways I never anticipated, and I am excited to carry these experiences with me into the future.