By: Bethany Dutcher, WMEAC Lakeshore Fellow
One way WMEAC gets college students involved in advocating for sustainability and the environment is by offering a very generous list of internships. The planet is in dire need of help now more than ever, which is why it’s important for organizations like WMEAC to get younger people involved. The interns work hard to help WMEAC’s vision come to life, and in turn come away with a lot of helpful experience, whether it be through journalism, hands-on activities to create a cleaner lakeshore, working with local leaders on climate resolutions, and more. (I am the Lakeshore Fellow, working with Tanya Cabala, the Lakeshore Outreach Organizer, and I have been tasked with checking in with our current group of interns to answer a few questions about their background, what sparked their interest in WMEAC, and how their experience with WMEAC will benefit them and help them navigate toward their careers. So, join me as we meet and welcome the spring and summer 2024 interns!
This cohort of interns is also leaving behind an exciting new legacy. Follow the new intern-led account @wmeac.interns on TikTok to keep up with each group of interns’ adventures at WMEAC!
Bethany Dutcher, Lakeshore Fellow
Bethany is a senior at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), majoring in biology with a minor in environmental and sustainability studies. She grew up around animals and nature has profoundly affected the way she lives. Her favorite hobbies include fishing, “rockhounding,” reading, hiking, running, and spending time with loved ones.
Now is a better time than ever to get hands-on experience before getting into her career, Bethany said, and what better way to do that than fighting for the environment and the lakeshore with WMEAC! She calls Muskegon home, which is why she felt the Lakeshore Fellow position would be the best fit.
“I’ve been inspired by my late grandpa Doug Bennett who served the people of Muskegon as a state representative to reach higher in life when it comes to my career,” Bethany shared. “Through my fellowship with WMEAC, I hope to learn more about ways to implement climate solutions in West Michigan, and I look forward to meeting other people who care about our beautiful state. I hope to offer any advice or insight that may be helpful to others that comes from my knowledge of Michigan wildlife, biology, and sustainability.”
Melinda Weaver, Policy Intern
Melinda has always been interested in environmental policy because she believes it’s integral to the changes we can make locally and nationally for our planet. She’s a junior at GVSU, majoring in environmental and sustainability studies with a minor in economics. She heard about WMEAC through the university’s semi-annual sustainability showcase, and shortly afterward looked into the organization’s internship programs to find one that fit.
When she’s not at school or working, she’s going to the gym, horseback riding with her mom, playing chess or Dungeons and Dragons, and relaxing while she plays video games on her computer.
“I’m really hoping this internship will teach me how to communicate effectively with other people in the environmental policy area and learn the ‘language’ of politics in regard to sustainability. I’ve already been able to sit in on meetings regarding prospective bills that we are trying to get passed for Michigan, and I’ve been enjoying it so much. I appreciate WMEAC so much for having me as their policy intern and I’m so excited to keep learning from this experience!”
Emma Sherman, Wolverine Community Advisory Group Communications Intern
Emma, a senior at GVSU, is majoring in environmental and sustainability studies with a minor in anthropology. She has been aware of PFAS for a long time (some of her family grew up in the affected areas), so she’s excited to learn more about the issue. In her free time, she loves to watch new shows and movies, hike, swim, and spend time enjoying nature.
“I want to learn more about PFAS and other environmental issues in West Michigan. I also want to learn about the different components that go into solving the issues, for instance, the communication, the policy, the advocates, etc. I am hoping to learn as much as I can about the work that WMEAC does, the processes and meetings that go into it, and how I can translate the components I feel most drawn to into a career.”
Toyin Adekoya, Crane Endowed Water Fellow
Toyin is pursuing a master’s degree in water resource policy at GVSU. Working for WMEAC aligns her academic studies in water resource policy with real-world applications, allowing her to see the direct impact of her work. She’s eager to deepen her understanding of how environmental policies translate into tangible community action. For fun she loves to immerse herself in nature, cooking, and reading.
“I aim to learn from the expertise around me, improve my skills in practical environmental advocacy, and contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference in our community. It’s an opportunity to grow, make a positive impact, and be a part of a team that values sustainability and proactive environmental stewardship.”
Grant Newhall, Community Outreach and Inclusion Intern
Grant is a senior at GVSU, majoring in environmental and sustainability studies with a focus on culture and the built environment, and with a minor in urban planning. He likes to bike, paint, and play a wide variety of tabletop and online games.
“At WMEAC I hope to learn more about what the field is like for professionals as well as learn more about ongoing environmentalist efforts and perhaps find somewhere where I could contribute in the future!”
Jada Reahm, Climate Action Communications Intern
Jada is a student at Grand Rapids Community College where she studies marketing. In 2020, she got involved in different climate organizations around Grand Rapids, and that propelled her interest in facilitating climate action. In her spare time, she loves crocheting, and she is a crochet vendor at local markets and fairs.
“I’m really looking forward to learning more about climate legislation and using my creativity to keep our community informed.”
And so there you have it – all young people from our area colleges, all passionate about making a positive environmental difference, and all with a variety of intriguing and fun interests!
