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For ˿����Ƶ University senior Laurie Kern, college wasn’t just about academics – it was about building community, embracing leadership and discovering how young voices can shape global conversations.

One of the most defining parts of her ˿����Ƶ journey has been her involvement with the Ellyn Uram Kaschak Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls. What started out as a simple class assignment turned into something much more.

As a junior in the “Planning the Sustainable University” course, Kern was assigned to cover the launch of 1MReady – ˿����Ƶ University’s climate campaign revolved around helping the campus community identify the biggest carbon-reducing actions that can be taken in everyday life – for a case study. The project turned into an ambassadorship, which later grew into her current role as Ambassador Coordinator.

“I’m helping run the program now, which is really crazy – seeing the launch of it, and now actually being ahead of it,” she said.

Through the Institute, Kern had the opportunity to attend , the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in the Middle East. She observed formal negotiations, connected with global youth leaders and saw firsthand the impact that young people can have on international policymaking.

“Prior to that, I thought spaces like the UN were only for the most experienced people in their fields,” she said. “I didn’t realize it could be a career path. I think it’s great that the Kaschak Institute promotes that for potential students who want to get involved.”

Originally from Bayport, N.Y., Kern came to ˿����Ƶ expecting to major in political science. However, after participating in the “Source Project: People, Politics and the Environment” her first year, she was drawn more to the environmental side. She shifted her focus to Earth systems within environmental science and has never looked back.

“I like working with the Earth – it feels like I’m making a difference,” she said.

Kern’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond the classroom. She interned with , an environmental consulting firm, where she served as a field technician supporting New York state’s clean energy goals. She also contributed to ˿����Ƶ’s Sustainability Climate Change Quilt, a community project now displayed in Science 2 and the Fine Arts Building.

Through it all, Kern has remained open to different possibilities for her future. “I don’t want to have a set path yet,” she said. “I want to go wherever my current path takes me. I’m very open to new opportunities and am trying to keep my mind open as I go into grad school.”

She credits the Kaschak Institute and the network of women she has found there, with giving her a sense of purpose and belonging. “It’s great that I’ve built this network of powerful women in my life that are able to support me in a lot of my endeavors,” she said. “It’s also great to be able to have that community behind me and feel like I’m working toward a greater good.”

As she finishes up her undergraduate degree and begins working toward her Master of Science in sustainable communities, also at ˿����Ƶ, Kern offers this advice to future students:

“Put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid to apply for things that you may not feel you’re qualified for yet,” she said. “College is the time to build your network, and the most natural way to do that is through clubs, which is why it’s so highly suggested.”