Meet Sustaira: Sustainability Intern Group
Here at Sustaira, we get to know all of our employees very well and we want you to know them too! For every new team member, we ask them the following questions to learn about who they are and why sustainability matters to them. Today, we introduce our Sustainability Intern Group; Ava Nelson, Haley Guerra, and Ava Morisi. Read their interview below and enjoy!
What Made You Decide to Join the Sustaira Team?
Ava N: While I have learned a considerable amount about sustainability throughout my time at the University of Michigan, I joined Sustaria as a way to gain practical experience in environmental education and communication. Learning environmental education and communication theory is important, however actually using that knowledge is vital. I knew that Sustain would allow me to do just that!
Haley: When I learned about Sustaira, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to blend my skills in business with my passion for sustainability. I am also particularly interested in marketing and communications, so getting to help create integral company content excited me!
Ava M: I was looking for a space that would allow me to use the skills I have learned at the University of Michigan to make a positive impact, while being able to learn from passionate mentors and gain hands-on experience in my field, and Sustaira has given me just that!
What Is Your Role at Sustaira?
As a Sustainability Interns, we research current sustainability and ESG trends and initiatives for company knowledge and to communicate to the greater sustainability community via blogs, LinkedIn, webinars, and other parts of the website.
What Does Sustainability Mean to You?
Ava N: To me, sustainability means living within your means, being aware of impacts and working to better them, all for the benefit of future generations and ecosystems.
Haley: To me, sustainability means prioritizing the long term effects of decision making over short term motivations. I think it is important to take into consideration less visible or immediate effects of our actions and to keep our planet in mind. I am driven by creating wide-spread impact and innovative solutions for the sake of protecting our environment.
Ava M: To me, sustainability means understanding the broader impacts of our decisions on the environment, society, and future generations and striving to minimize harm while maximizing positive change.
Where Do You Believe Technology Meets Sustainability in Your Vision?
Ava N: Until university, I had a hard time finding the proper intersection of technology and sustainability. As I further my education in environmental education and communication, I am quickly learning that technology is necessary for sustainable behavior change. It is used for the dissemination of information, to manage the multitude of necessary initiatives, and create new and better solutions.
Haley: As the abilities of technology continue to advance, it is becoming more and more integral to utilize it in creating environmental solutions. Whether that is through more accurate metric analysis or new devices to actually help mitigate problems, technology is helping to make sustainability issues more transparent and possible to address.
Ava M: Technology has the ability to advance sustainability by enhancing our ability to understand, manage, and solve environmental challenges. Technology serves as both an enabler and a driver of change-whether through improved communication, smarter resource management, or the development of sustainable alternatives that can help make sustainability easier to address.
Tell Us a Little Bit About You! Just a Couple Fun Facts or Something People May Not Know. What Do You Believe People Need to Know About You?
Ava N: I am a third year undergraduate student at the University of Michigan studying Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Program in the Environment with a specialization in Behavior and Education of the Environment. In my free time I love to craft, journal, read, crochet, and be outside.
Haley: I am a sophomore Business Administration major at the University of Michigan concentrating in marketing and sustainability. I’ve grown up in Michigan my whole life, and can usually be found at the nearest lake. I’ve also worked as a teacher’s assistant for four years and love education!
Ava M: I am in my second year at the University of Michigan where I’m double majoring in Organizational Studies and Environmental Science. Outside of school I love traveling, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors!
