By TTF Summer Intern Maiya, thanks for the support from Alliance for Watershed Education (AWE)
Dear TTF Community,
Hi! My name is Maiya Mangum and I’m TTF Watershed’s new summer environmental intern. I am a rising senior at Tulane University, majoring in Environmental Studies and Political Economy. Growing up in the Northeast Philadelphia area, I’ve developed an appreciation for the local environment and the community that surrounds it. I am thrilled to embark on this new opportunity to work with the community that allows me to contribute to hands-on conservation efforts and support projects that make a difference in the health of our watershed.
My passion for environmental work started at a young age, from curiosity about the flora and fauna around me to watching media like “It’s a Big Big World” and “The Lorax”. Throughout high school and college, I have been involved in the Women in Natural Sciences Program (WINS). WINS is a program for young girls going to Philadelphia public and charter schools to learn about natural sciences and deepen our connection with nature within the city and beyond. Being a part of this program accelerated my interest in the environment and the environmental issues we are facing.
Having these experiences early on pushed me to want to study the environment in college and specifically how we can advocate for the environment through policy. Advocating for the environment through policy is a tangible way to address the root causes of environmental issues and ensure that the environment will thrive for generations to come. The environment can’t advocate for itself, but people who care about the environment can advocate for it. In the future, I want to be an environmental lawyer or involved in environmental policy because I want to be an advocate for the environment.
My study abroad experience in Ecuador with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Tropical Andes through the Tulane Interdisciplinary Environmental Research and Action Program (TIERA) further solidified my interest in environmental issues during my time in college. During my time in Ecuador, I was able to participate in research about water quality testing between two different rivers. I further continued my research the next year by conducting a project about community feelings surrounding land tenure laws and how they related to conservation efforts in the area. Having this experience in Ecuador opened my eyes to different environmental issues people are facing globally but we are connected by our drive to be environmental stewards.
I am excited to work with TTF because the community is a key aspect of TTF. It is important to have community involvement, especially with environmental work, because the community shapes both the local environment and the solutions that can protect it. The local community knows the area the best and has an invested interest in the health and well-being of the environment because it is their home. I am excited to be involved with community events and to learn more about how local efforts can create meaningful environmental change.
Aside from work and school, I enjoy resting when I can. Additionally, I enjoy hiking, traveling, roller skating, watching movies and shows, and trying new restaurants.
I’m excited to keep learning and growing through this new experience!
Thanks,
Maiya
