Sofi Rua ’28: Intern at Community Change Inc.

This summer, I interned with Community Change Inc. (CCI), a social justice nonprofit organization based in Maine, on their Community Justice Mapping Project.

My project involved collecting information about organizations and initiatives working at the intersection between climate resilience and immigrant communities. I examined how immigrant-serving organizations support their communities through resource networks, emergency preparedness, and community-building, as well as how broader climate resilience organizations can better engage immigrant communities through inclusive planning and partnerships. I also attended meetings, connected with organizers and community members, and helped organize information for the Community Justice Mapping Project.

This experience allowed me to engage with community-centered environmental work and helped me better understand the importance of listening to and collaborating with the people most directly affected by social and environmental issues. As a government major and environmental studies minor, I was able to see how closely environmental issues are connected to questions of social justice, immigration, and community power. Moving forward, I hope to continue exploring careers where I can combine my interests in government, environmental studies, policy, and advocacy.

Internship funded by: Yeu/Nigro Endowed Internship Fund