Meet Hillary Dimig ‘18, a former Sustainability Steward who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
How has your experience with the Sustainability Stewards influenced your personal or professional pursuits?
The Stewards program gave me optimism in my ability to influence local policy. I’m a graduate senator for my school’s student government association, which I had the courage to join partly because of Stewards. Stewards taught me so much about leadership that I was still trying to grasp as an undergrad, but that I’m starting to hone as a graduate student. It also gave me experience with project management, which has been very useful as a graduate student.
What advice would you give to current or future sustainability leaders based on your experience?
Of course your courses are important, but make time for other important things as well. This is something I struggled with. Also, take advantage of mentors that are there to help you!
What’s your favorite memory as a Sustainability Steward?
I’m not sure if it’s my favorite memory, but a salient memory was when the rally in Charlottesville happened during a Stewards’ retreat. The retreat leaders asked what we had heard and I basically repeated what I’d heard on my news app, but the Stewards provided a safe and welcoming space to talk more about the meaning of the event. I also just really enjoyed talking to my peers and learning more about the topics they were passionate about, including recycling, composting, batteries, and so much more.
Where Are They Now?
Meet Former Sustainability Stewards