Colin Powell—Bloom
Energy Innovation Fellowship

Ash is a senior-year Macaulay student majoring in Psychology and Anthropology. They were born in the Western Australian desert where climate change is an increasing threat, like many locations worldwide. They spent several years in Johannesburg, South Africa, and have been a New Yorker for ten years. Nowadays they love the city as much as their hometown. Ash has spent the past year conducting research with the CCNY Psychology department on the mental health effects of climate change and hopes to find a way to physically and mentally protect victims of climate change. Outside of CCNY, Ash is an avid reader and reptile enthusiast.

Angie Guerrero is a third-year undergraduate student at City College, majoring in Urban Planning with a concentration in disability. Her goal is to work in collaboration with local communities, advocacy groups, and government officials to design urban environments that are inclusive and accessible.

Angie understands the importance of how climate policy helps protect the places that she loves to explore outdoors. Therefore, as a climate policy fellow, she is excited to learn about the policy-making process and how climate policy intersects with urban planning to create sustainable and inclusive cities that benefit all, including people with different abilities.

From a very early age, Angie has frequently spent time outdoors, which has nurtured her appreciation for nature. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and taking long casual walks with her Dachshund Labrador mix, named Pepper. 

Anna Garcia is an ambitious sophomore at CCNY studying Psychology. She is a first-generation student and the first and only child of Mexican and Peruvian Immigrants. Her interest in climate policy has grown immensely throughout the years, with specific interests in sustainability and energy efficiency. Anna has a great desire to make a positive impact on not only the environment but various communities that tend to be overlooked.

She hopes to fight for environmental justice and aid in providing a safe and healthy environment for all. As well as taking part in advocacy and planning for much-needed environmental change and sustainability. Anna is thrilled to embark on this new and exciting journey at CPS and looks forward to the meaningful insight and experience that’s to be gained from it.

Arihant Tiwari is a junior majoring in Computer Science. he has a passion for utilizing technology to tackle environmental challenges. Born and raised in India, Arihant witnessed the detrimental effects of pollution and climate change firsthand. This exposure led to his interest in environmental preservation, leading him to conduct extensive research on air pollution under the guidance of a research mentor. Through this research, Arihant uncovered significant insights into the causes and impacts of air pollution, fueling his ambition to develop innovative ML-powered tech solutions that reduce air pollution.

Arihant’s academic and research pursuits have honed his various skills in Software Engineering, Machine learning, and backend development. By integrating his technical expertise with his environmental concerns, Arihant aspires to create technology that addresses problems of air pollution and broader environmental issues. Outside of academics, Arihant enjoys playing chess and tennis.

Daniel Ugo-Omenukwa is a third-year student in the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program at CCNY/CUNY School of Medicine. Growing up in the Bronx, he saw firsthand the human health crisis arising from environmental degradation and climate change. In pursuing a career as a physician and environmental health scientist, Daniel hopes to be part of the solution. Outside of school, Daniel enjoys reading, playing basketball, and solving crossword puzzles.

Fatoumata is a 4th-year Computer Science major studying to one day become a great Data Scientist. She’s also minoring in mathematics and public policy. She has many interests including the fresh water crisis and global warming. With the skills she will learn, she aspires to contribute to resolving those issues one day. Fatoumata comes from Gambian parents and was born and raised in The Bronx, New York. As the first in her family to attend college, Fatoumata hopes to be someone her younger siblings could consider a role model. She likes to read books and owns over a hundred of them. She’s also interested in learning to paint and wants to write a book one day.

Fiha Farin is a junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Management and Administration. Her passion for Climate Policy ignited through her involvement with the Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE). She gained invaluable insights into environmental conservation and played an integral role in a compelling documentary showcasing pandemic-era efforts toward sustainability. At the Queens Public Library, Fiha shines as a STEAM ambassador, channeling her enthusiasm for environmental science through a blend of captivating workshops and initiatives. Her efforts inspire a widespread sense of community responsibility toward environmental sustainability.

As a Climate Policy Fellow, she hopes to learn how science, engineering, economics, and policy come together to tackle climate change. She will also be improving her skills and helping find solutions to the problem. In her free time, she enjoys doing arts and crafts, traveling, and trying something new every day. She believes collaboration is essential to safeguard and maintain our earth.

Gisela Hernandez is a fourth-year student at the Colin Powell School majoring in Psychology and minoring in Management and Administration. She is Mexican-American and grew up in the South Bronx. In the future, she hopes to work alongside non-profit organizations advocating and helping to take care of the city’s green spaces. As a Climate Policy Fellow, she is excited to connect with other students who have similar career aspirations and to hear from leaders in the industry.

In her free time, she enjoys going to coffee and bakery shops in the city, painting, and spending time with family and friends.

Izel Rueda-Sierra is a senior at The City College of New York, majoring in Political Science and Anthropology, with a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies. Izel is a first-generation Mexican-American college student, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She is interested in public service and in the advocacy of community members. She hopes to one day do influential policy work surrounding immigration, youth advocacy, and environmental justice. Aside from their studies, Izel enjoys reading, making beaded jewelry, and listening to podcasts.

Jeremie is a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the Grove School of Engineering. He was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to New York in 2018. Growing up in a country that relies heavily on the exportation of oil and natural gas for national income sparked Jeremie’s passion for sustainability and change within the energy sector. Outside of his professional and academic career, Jeremie enjoys skateboarding, weightlifting, and videography. In the future, Jeremie intends to find new ways for mechanical engineers to provide their technical expertise to the sustainable engineering industry, propelling the interdisciplinary field and consequently contributing to an even greater positive environmental impact.

Julianne Villar (she/her/hers) is a student at the City College of New York majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Sociology. With a deep passion for social justice and environmental sustainability, which is expressed through her extensive research and community engagement experiences. As a Research Assistant at the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, Julianne engages in the design and execution of experiments aimed at investigating water-responsive nanomaterials’ potential as a renewable energy source. Widening the scope of her research, she is also a Youth Fellow at the CUNY School for Professional Studies’ Intergenerational Change Initiative (ICI), where she collaborates in community outreach and policy analysis, with a focus on climate change and social equity. 

As a Climate Fellow, Julianne wishes to integrate engineering coursework with transformative social justice through professional experiences. She is committed to creating scalable policies that transcend national boundaries, aiming to address global challenges such as climate change and social inequality through innovative, culturally sensitive, and universally applicable approaches. Outside of her studies, Julianne enjoys crocheting, weightlifting, and spending time with her family.

Kyle Lam is currently a sophomore studying economics at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. Born and raised in New York, he is a first-generation college student in his family. Kyle has always been interested in the environment and policy work. He hopes to combine his interests in aviation and the environment to help create more environmentally friendly solutions for aircraft operations. He is delighted to be in this program and looks forward to engaging in educated discussions about climate policy.

Naila Hassan is a senior at CCNY dual majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Jewish Studies. She is a child of Bangladeshi-immigrants and was born and raised in the Bronx. Her background in Jewish Studies has helped her form values in social responsibility and discipline, steering her toward community-driven work. This influence has led to her developing focus on sustainable design within mechanical engineering and emboldens her to work on incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency within the NYC neighborhoods she grew up in. In her free time, Naila enjoys painting, reading, playing around with CAD software, and spending time with friends.

Prophet is a senior with a major in Science Education & Public Engagement and a minor in biology. She is a native New Yorker and resides in her hometown borough Brooklyn. After graduation, she wants to work in sustainability because helping the environment for the next generation is a passion of hers. She loves animals including her Yorkie she rescued and loves to spend her free time anywhere near water!

Rachel, a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering and minoring in Community Change Studies in the Macaulay Honors Program, is dedicated to crafting technology that addresses community needs. She has worked on various projects that echo her passion for sustainability, community health, and combating climate change. At the CIPASS apprenticeship, Rachel collaborated on a team project developing a deployable water biosensor aligned with EPA guidelines, supporting sustainability objectives. Furthermore, she developed an independent research question investigating the relationship between environmental temperature and asthma rates in NYC, shedding light on crucial social issues. As a Climate Policy Fellow, Rachel eagerly anticipates delving deeper into the intersection of engineering and policy, aiming to influence decisions for the betterment of society.

Raquel Romero is a junior undergraduate student at CCNY, pursuing a degree in political science with a passion for addressing social and economic disparities, particularly those she witnessed growing up in the Bronx. She is deeply troubled by the environmental pollution plaguing her community streets, recognizing its detrimental impact on the public’s health and well-being. Raquel’s interest in government was sparked during her high school’s U.S. history class, where she was introduced to the structure of governmental systems. She has been determined to apply her academic knowledge to real-world situations, especially in improving the lives of disadvantaged communities. As a climate policy fellow, Raquel aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in addressing environmental challenges. She is eager and hopes to make a meaningful impact in combating climate change and advancing environmental justice. In her leisure time, Raquel enjoys immersing herself in books and playing the flute.

Ruth Caraballo is a senior at The City College of New York pursuing a major in International Studies and a minor in Portuguese Language and Lusophone Cultures. Ruth was born in the Dominican Republic, migrating with her mom and sister to the United States of America at the young age of thirteen. As an intellectual, she aspires to work proactively in the global policy-making field. This long-term aspiration is driven by her desire to end environmental inequality around the world. Her main goal is to promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Ruth is an avid reader. She has a special place in her heart dedicated to fiction novels, more than a hobby, it is a passion. She’s also curious about different cultures and their understanding of life.

Samantha Kohn, Class of 2025, is a Civil Engineering major concentrating in Environmental Engineering at City College. She is strongly interested in mitigating the effects of climate change in urban environments with sustainable infrastructure. Her past experiences working at an Environmental Engineering lab and working on the construction of a wastewater treatment plant have furthered her interest in understanding failing urban infrastructure, climate change, and how to help the local communities who are impacted the most.

Shamima Ruhi is a third-year Earth and Environmental Systems Science major. Shamima was born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, and raised in East Harlem since she was five years old. One study that interests Shamima is water pollution, especially in under-resourced communities and developing countries. She hopes to do research regarding water contamination in the future and is interested in creating technology to allow the purification of water in different communities. She is also interested in how big cities regulate policies regarding environmental and humanitarian issues, primarily in big cities like NYC. Shamima enjoys taking new classes, and during her free time, spending time with her family and going on walks.

Sumaya is a Junior majoring in computer science at City College. Sumaya is from Bangladesh. She is a dynamic and passionate individual driven by an insatiable curiosity and boundless energy for learning. With her positive energy and charisma, she captivates those around her, inspiring a collaborative and vibrant academic environment. As a dedicated student, Sumaya explores a diverse array of subjects with equal fervor. From the sciences to the humanities, she approaches each discipline with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge. Her versatility and adaptability allow her to excel in various academic pursuits, constantly pushing the boundaries of her intellectual horizons.

Driven by a vision of a brighter, more sustainable future, Sumaya embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. With her boundless enthusiasm and unwavering commitment, she is poised to leave a lasting impact on both academia and the fight against climate change.

Taz is a third-year student at Macaulay Honors and the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. They’ve been interested in sustainable practices since their middle school’s hydroponics club, and their passion has only continued in architecture school. Their interests now lie in bettering urban planning policy to shape more resilient and empowered communities. They hope to be a part of the change that the field of architecture needs to see, and they’re open to figuring out what that might look like. Outside of school, Taz enjoys gardening, going to concerts, and failing to practice self-restraint at bookstores.

Tram is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Science Learning and Public Engagement with a major in Environment. Her family is from Vietnam, specifically from the province of Phú Yên in South Central Vietnam, known for its rural charm with wheat fields and majestic mountains. She is keen on understanding sustainability conservation and global efforts to support it. Tram aspires to contribute to this cause by helping people comprehend these issues for impactful change through education. Her interests extend to outdoor activities like trail walks, hiking, and cooking. Tram also works at the study abroad office, assisting those who wish to explore the world and broaden their understanding. 

Additionally, she serves as the secretary of the CCNY Outdoor Club, where she fosters outdoor experiences for students, encouraging them to explore beyond the city limits. She organizes activities such as hiking, along with other e-board members, and the Outdoor Project initiated by the Office of the President. Tram’s dedication to nature’s gifts drives her to give back as much as she can.