VCN’s Environmental Leadership Fellowship program returns for its fifth year! This year, six fellows will be working with VCN and partner organizations to advance Virginia’s conservation movement. 

As part of the VCN team, fellows will build hands-on experience and deepen their understanding of the conservation field through work in communications, grassroots organizing, policy research, event coordination, and beyond.

Sidnie’s passion for the environment began with her love and curiosity for the Great Barrier Reef and the vibrant livelihoods it sustains. Her 6th grade science teacher shared the devastating news that part of the Great Barrier Reef had been declared dead due to mass coral bleaching caused by record-high water temperatures. This moment ignited a deep sense of purpose and motivated her to pursue a career in environmental conservation. 

At Virginia Tech, Sidnie volunteers with the Game Day Green Team where she educates students, faculty, and visitors about waste management and ways to reduce plastic pollution on game days. Additionally, she is a member of the New River Valley Environmental Coalition Club at Virginia Tech where she collaborates with local stakeholders on climate action initiatives. 

This summer, Sidnie will apply her communication and outreach skills by working with Jaime Trejo-Angeles, VCN Communications Manager. She will also be working with Chesapeake Climate Action Network, supporting their advocacy and outreach efforts on data centers in Northern Virginia. 

Location: Dumfries, VA

Education: Rising senior at Virginia Tech University studying Environmental Conservation and Society with a concentration in education and outreach

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be an oceanic manta ray so I could swim gracefully through the ocean all day!

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken and what made it special? The most memorable trip I’ve ever taken was going to Costa Rica. Not only was the landscape full of lush plants and exotic wildlife, it was filled with incredible people who deeply respected nature and saw the environment as an extension of themselves. This trip allowed me to see firsthand how intentional we can be in how we treat the environment, whether through legislation or the cultural norms we uphold. 

What’s a surprising talent or skill that you have? I love to sing and I’m in a group called Soulstice A Capella!

Grace’s appreciation for the environment blossomed at a young age through playing outside in a creek with her brother. His love of nature inspired her to not take nature for granted and to put her best foot forward by leading with empathy. Growing up close to DC, Grace was thankful to have access to the Museum of Natural History and the Baltimore Aquarium. Grace’s brother was studying to become a marine biologist before he passed away last year, but she hopes to help his memory live on through her work in conservation. 

Through her coursework at William and Mary, she hosted an ecotherapy workshop and learned about local initiatives from other Virginia-based conservation organizations. Grace desires to lead with empathy throughout her time in the environmental space. 

This summer, Grace will be working under Brittney Beazley, VCN Director of Operations & Fundraising, on fundraising and operations efforts. She will also be working with the Climate Equity Working Group to research and develop meaningful policy recommendations for key climate and environmental issues important to Virginians.

Location: Clifton, VA

Education: Rising senior at William & Mary studying public policy with a minor in environmental science

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Definitely a seal. They’re so silly and I like the way they flop around. 

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken and what made it special? I had the opportunity to go to Florence last summer to study abroad for a month! Aside from being the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to, I got to stay with a host mom and learn all about Italian culture from her! I also got really close with my cohort and program director during our time there ! I definitely miss it every day. 

What’s a surprising talent or skill that you have? I cut my own hair!

Katia spent her childhood exploring and cherishing the woods across from her house. When she was twelve, her town put the land up for sale and began clearing it for urban development. Katia realized how vulnerable her natural areas were to urbanization and was inspired to pursue a career in environmental conservation. In high school, she realized the power to drive real change within the environment can be achieved through effective policy. This discovery motivated her to study political science at Virginia Tech University. 

At Virginia Tech, Katia is involved in the Virginia Tech for Climate Justice Club, where she works on outreach initiatives for climate workshops, expanding the reach and influence of the club, and campaigns for hiring decisions within the Virginia Tech Office of Sustainability.

This summer, Katia will be working under Lillian Anderson, VCN Director of Energy Programs, where she will support climate and energy projects and initiatives. She will also be working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation helping them organize events, write educational materials, and participate in hands-on volunteer activities. 

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Education: Rising senior at Virginia Tech University studying Political Science 

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a squirrel monkey! I got to see them up close during my trip to Costa Rica in May, and their small size and long tail allows them to effortlessly swing on and climb trees. They are also very social creatures and live in large troops. If I were one, I would enjoy the freedom to explore and stay active and to be a part of a greater community. 

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken and what made it special? My family and I visited Banff, Alberta in January, and it was breathtaking! My brother and I got to witness the most spectacular views while snowboarding on the peak of Banff Sunshine. Getting to see frozen Lake Louise, surrounded by mountains is something I will never forget.

What’s a surprising talent or skill that you have? I have a nearly photographic memory and can do the splits! 

In his early teenage years, Nicholas spent summers in Maine with his family. He stayed in lakeside cabins where he spent his mornings paddleboarding and kayaking before exploring Acadia National Park in the afternoons through hikes and bike rides. The peace he got from those cool, foggy mornings on the lake by himself stuck with him and gave him an appreciation for the personal benefits of natural spaces. Nicholas has traveled to over five national parks and feels connected to the country’s landscape and its diversity. From walking through canyons to stargazing with loved ones, he loves the wonder that nature has to offer and is dedicated to protecting it. 

This summer, Nicholas will be working under Jessica Sims, VCN Executive Director, assisting in the development of Our 2027 Common Agenda. He will also be applying his ArcGIS skills in his work with Wild Virginia to support their water quality and habitat connectivity programs. 

Location: Richmond, VA

Education: Recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor in Environmental Studies 

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A treefrog because I like being outdoors when it rains.

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken and what made it special? A trip to Utah with my family and cousin visiting five of the national parks. I remember the awe at seeing environments so different to what I had previously experienced for the first time and feeling connected to the country’s landscape and its diversity more than. The days walking through the canyons and nights spent stargazing together are ones I won’t ever forget. 

What’s a surprising talent or skill that you have? I can walk with a soccer ball on my nose like a seal.

Growing up in Chesapeake, Virginia, Corinne spent much of her childhood summers going to the beach with her family where she enjoyed the water and sunshine. Being close to the ocean fostered an appreciation for nature and an awareness of the impact of pollution. Additionally, the lack of public transportation throughout her area sparked her passion to fight against car-dependency and suburban sprawl, issues that contribute to longer commutes and increased carbon emissions. 

During her time at Virginia Commonwealth, she was the president of the Urban Studies Student Association, where she helped to cultivate spaces and activities based around city planning, community building, and sustainability. She also volunteered with Richmond’s Food Not Bombs, to support their mission of reducing food waste and ensuring everyone has access to healthy, affordable food. 

This summer, Corinne will be working with Fatima Kamara, VCN Land Use & Transportation Campaign and Policy Manager, to work on policy analysis and advocacy. She will also be working with Partnership for Smarter Growth by producing educational materials and supporting their efforts to advocate for a sustainable Richmond region. 

Location: Richmond, VA

Education: Recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with both a bachelor in Urban and Regional Studies and Bachelor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a chimpanzee! I mostly think it would be really cool to climb trees so easily and swing around for fun. 

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken and what made it special? One of my favorite trips I’ve taken is when I visited Switzerland during my study abroad in Germany. I stayed with a few friends in a small town in the Swiss Alps and saw the most amazing mountains and lakes I’ve seen in my life. Being able to witness that beauty and make memories with my newfound friends made me truly reflect on the importance of preserving these natural environments and increasing access to them. 

What’s a surprising talent or skill that you have? I did gymnastics for 10 years and can walk on my hands!

Jackson’s appreciation of the outdoors was cultivated through volunteering with the Wood Ministry when he was a child. The Wood Ministry included gathering wood and delivering it to the elderly, disabled, or low-income families who relied on wood to heat their homes. Through his volunteer work, Jackson learned the value of sustainable natural resource management and how it allowed him to support his community. 

In addition to being of service to his community, Jackson was a very active kid who loved water sports and hiking. Growing up, he was always outside and loved to explore and connect with nature. These experiences led Jackson to pursue a career in environmental-related work. 

This summer, Jackson will be working under Rebecca Malpass, VCN Director of Clean Water & Land Conservation, to work on policy analysis and advocacy. He will also be working with the James River Association through advocacy and hands-on volunteer work to ensure a fully healthy James River. 

Location: Richmond, VA

Education: Recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would like to be a crow because corvids are my favorite birds. Crows are very smart, and it seems like fun to be able to fly. I love the sky, and I’ve skydived once and am going to do it again soon! 

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken and what made it special? The most memorable trip I’ve taken was to Philadelphia, PA because it was the largest city I have ever been to, and I got to experience a different environment. 

What’s a surprising talent or skill that you have? I like to bake quite a lot, and I often bake gluten-free treats.