Aishat Yussuf 15 April 2025 2 minute read
My time as a Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Sustainable Spelman Student Coordinator has been both transformative and deeply rewarding. In this role, I have worked closely with my fellow Bonner Scholars, strengthening my understanding of the RCE of Metro Atlanta and its mission to localize the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across
institutions and communities in the region.
My introduction to the Sustainable Spelman Office came through its partnership with , a global network dedicated to social justice and sustainability. This experience has provided me with the opportunity to engage in quarterly meetings with partner institutions across Georgia, where we exchange resources and strategies to enhance sustainability efforts on our campuses and beyond.
Outside of our meetings, I have dedicated over 200 service hours to the Sustainable Spelman Office, actively supporting efforts that push for student organizations in integrating SDGs that align with their missions. Through interactive events, student-led initiatives, and strategic
collaboration, we work to implement sustainability into Spelman’s campus culture.
Currently, I serve as the project lead for the Zero Food Waste Project, which focuses on reducing food waste in Spelman’s dining facilities. We have advocated for composting in the cafeteria,partnering with Bon Appétit (Spelman’s food service provider) and CompostNow to introduce more sustainable waste management practices. Since October 2024, we have tracked over 764 pounds of food waste, and we continue to push for multiple compost bins to enhance student participation. To expand this initiative, we have shifted our focus toward organizing strategy meetings with our partners and drafting a future Student Zero Food Waste program.
This allows students to take on leadership roles, advocate for composting, and educate their peers about
environmental sustainability. One of my most valuable takeaways from this experience has been the ability to represent and advocate for students, ensuring that our ideas translate into tangible action. Our goal is not just to introduce sustainability as a concept but to make it a lived practice among students, faculty, and staff.
We recognize that sustainability is interconnected with social justice, community engagement, and Spelman’s motto which is why we work to create initiatives
that are both accessible and beneficial for all.
Additionally, as an RCE Student Coordinator, I participate in weekly professional development training led by Sustainable Spelman Office Coordinator Iesha Baldwin, a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability change. These sessions cover valuable skills such as utilizing LinkedIn for career growth, connecting sustainability to our professional aspirations, and grant writing training. These training sessions have pushed me to think critically about my impact and how I can use my voice, knowledge, and skills to support sustainability efforts beyond my time at Spelman.
Being a part of this incredible team and the broader RCE network has strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my commitment to environmental health. This experience has not only shaped my perspective on sustainability but has also clarified how I want to integrate it into my future work in public health research and community advocacy.