By Emma Rohrer, Outreach and Engagement Intern ’24-’25, President’s Sustainability Internship Program
As the Outreach and Engagement Intern for USC’s President’s Sustainability Internship Program, I had the privilege of leading projects that highlighted the importance of sustainability on campus and beyond. One project in particular became a cornerstone of my semester: a three-part series on environmental justice.
At the Sustainability Hub, we emphasize that sustainability is for everyone. It’s not just for those studying it and it’s not just about composting properly– it’s about communities, health, equity, and the systems that shape our everyday lives, especially right here in South Central. Environmental justice encapsulates this notion that everyone, regardless of background, deserves equal environmental protections and the right to shape the policies that affect their neighborhoods. I knew I wanted to contribute to a project that was rooted in this.
Partnering with Patrick Cardenas-Hirsig from Student Culture & Community Leadership & Education, we began developing a program that would educate and engage students and faculty on core environmental justice principles. From the start, we knew we wanted each session to balance learning and doing — pairing educational presentations with interactive activities. As a student myself, I know firsthand that the most lasting lessons come when you’re actively engaged. So, we set out to create experiences that got people thinking, moving, and connecting. With the guidance of our amazing supervisors, Lilian Ledesma and Peter Limthongviratn, our vision came to life in a three-part series titled Fight On for Environmental Justice.
Part One: “Earth in Jeopardy: Environmental Justice 101” laid the groundwork with environmental justice history, definitions, and case studies. After giving a brief presentation in the Sustainability Hub to establish the basics, we jumped into a high-energy game of Jeopardy to test and expand the knowledge of our participants. Five teams faced off with questions on topics ranging from environmental policy to human rights. The room was buzzing with laughter, competition, and learning – it felt like the perfect entry point.
Part Two: “EcoFeud: Bridging Justice, Privilege, and Sustainability” dove a bit deeper into what environmental justice looks like today. We explored how privilege shapes access to sustainability, and how being sustainable looks different for everyone when you consider cost barriers, accessibility, and equity. We discussed community-based solutions that go beyond personal lifestyle changes, such as volunteer work and advocacy. We ended by hosting a lively game of “Eco Feud” – a spin-off of Family Feud – to reinforce these ideas in an engaging, collaborative way.
Part Three: “Pen & Planet: Reflecting on Today, Planning for Tomorrow” was my personal favorite. We gathered on the lawn outside of the Sustainability Hub with blankets, journals, and 18 inspiring participants. Patrick and I put together a series of reflective prompts to guide this journaling session, with topics ranging from personal relationships with the environment to hopes for a more sustainable future. I had the honor of moderating a group discussion afterward, giving participants the space to share what they’ve written, spark new ideas, and even begin mapping out their first steps toward real action. Watching the concepts we’d been teaching all semester take root in their words and visions was incredibly moving, and it reminded me exactly why this work matters.
This series taught me so much about event planning, collaboration, and the power of engagement. From juggling logistics and budgets to leading group discussions and games, I grew more organized, more confident, and more inspired with each session. Furthermore, working with Patrick reminded me how valuable true collaboration is – we each brought different strengths to the table, supported each other’s ideas, and built this meaningful project together. Most of all, this experience reaffirmed my belief that sustainability must be inclusive. It’s about equity, shared responsibility, and lifting up every voice. I am so thankful for my time as a PSIP this year and for all of the invaluable lessons, skills, and friendships gained from leading meaningful projects such as this.
Published May 13, 2025
Emma graduated in May 2025 with her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences.