Hunter Green Summit

Join Us and Be Heard at the Hunter Green Summit!

Putting the focus and spotlight on the next generation of leaders.

Supported by Hunter Administration, faculty and staff – the Hunter Green Summit is a dynamic event to comprehensively engage Hunter students in open and candid conversations related to policy, empowerment, and climate action – and in turn give YOU a voice on what is the future of such climate work and how it can be supported.

This is an opportunity to learn about differing perspectives, strategies, and levels of involvement when it comes to advancing climate priorities and actions – and to get real about what activism looks like in today’s times.

Check out our Summit Line-up! The Hunter Green Summit agenda is tailored to the concerns and interests of today’s generation when it comes addressing climate change and continuing to forge a path forward.

Network with organizations that have sustainability, climate activism, and environmental justice as a top priority, discover where green service opportunities lie, hear about the different career pathways available, and more.

When?
Monday, April 21
9 am - 4 pm
Hunter West 8th Floor, FDR Lounge
Light Breakfast and Lunch Provided

Emilia Pelegano-Titmuss is a fourth-year student at the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College where she is pursuing a dual degree in Physics (BA) and Mathematics (BA) with a minor in Geology. She is engaged in materials science research alongside Professor Steven Greenbaum, CUNY Distinguished Professor of Physics. In the lab, she has focused on developing environmentally-friendly electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. She was a summer 2024 WAVE Fellow at Caltech where she studied calcium aluminosilicate melts applied to understanding volcanic behavior. In January 2025, Macaulay named her a Horace W. Goldsmith Scholar and funded her studies in a volcanology field camp in Ecuador. Additionally, she was recently awarded a 2025 Barry Goldwater Scholarship. This upcoming summer, she was accepted as a 2025 WAVE Fellow at Caltech through funding from the Leadership Alliance, and will be working on mapping young basaltic volcanoes in Mexico and Iceland in order to understand volcanism on Venus. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she intends to apply to graduate school for a PhD in Geophysics.

Dr. Birnur Aral PhD has over 20 years of experience in the consumer products industry, spanning R&D roles at Unilever and Takasago and media leadership at Good Housekeeping magazine, where she led the Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab. At Good Housekeeping, she oversaw studies across diverse product categories, shaping reviews and content that reached over 50 million readers monthly. She also evaluated and endorsed products for the Good Housekeeping Seal and Green Good Housekeeping Seal in categories such as cosmetics, OTC drugs, and supplements. As an organizer of Good Housekeeping’s Raise the Green Bar Sustainability Summits, Birnur introduced and managed the brand’s Sustainable Innovation Awards. She holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Bogazici University, advanced degrees from Stevens Institute of Technology, and a post-graduate certificate in Sustainability Analytics from Columbia University. Currently, Birnur is a part-time researcher at Stevens Institute of Technology and runs a consultancy to help consumer product brands achieve growth while building consumer trust. She contributes to industry journals, serves as a juror for award panels, moderates industry discussions, and mentors graduate students. Her work has resulted in scientific publications and patented personal care innovations.

Faiza Azam (she/her) is the Climate & Labor Organizer for ALIGN, engaging labor unions in city and state climate campaigns to support an intersectional, inclusive climate justice movement. She co-coordinates the NYC-based Climate Works for All coalition and chairs the labor committee for the statewide NY Renews coalition. 

A Bangladeshi-American climate activist, Faiza began her career in politics with Our Climate, an organization that empowers young people to advocate for equitable and science-based policies, and the NY Renews coalition. She continued her climate justice work, advocating for the Build Pubic Renewables Act as a legislative aide in the New York State Assembly, and as a director of constituent services in the New York City Council. In the City Council, Faiza was honored to participate in the New York City Council Union, Association of Legislative Employes (ALE) as the Recording Secretary in the Executive Board and as a Bargaining Committee Member, fighting for a first contract for more than 300 Legislative staffers.

Gianna Lum is the co-founder of Climate Cafe NYC — a climate action community that hosts workshops on eco-anxiety, connects people to impactful local activism, and keeps everyone motivated through camaraderie, creativity, and fun. She earned a master’s in Climate and Society from Columbia University and has a background in climate science, communications, and policy. Professionally, Gianna works as a tech reporter and focuses on blockchain solutions that address economic and environmental injustices. Previously, she has served in the nonprofit sector as a lead climate education facilitator and worked on climate models at NASA GISS. In her free time, Gianna enjoys figure skating, rollerblading, and experimenting with new sustainable baked goods recipes.

Cassondra Warney is a Brooklyn community gardener, lover of NYC's bike lanes and strategist in public–private partnerships. She is a Climate Resilience and Community Partner at Superstruct, a growth strategy venture studio focused on companies looking three generations ahead for the world that will be. Her background is in working with state and local communities in building proactive responses and resources across housing, behavioral health, and aging, specializing in reducing crisis system footprints (e.g. mass incarceration, homeless shelters, nursing homes). Past and current projects include working with Oregon tribal nations and counties to secure additional state funding for community-based mental health, collaborating with NYC Council and #CloseRikers partners in using supportive housing as a de-incarceration strategy, and exploring symbiotic opportunities in greenhouse companies investing in clean energy and contributing to the local grid.

Ben Raff - Currently, Ben serves as a Project Engineer at the New York Power Authority, where he supports the Decarbonization Leadership Program. In this role, he is working on a study to identify the cost and plan to decarbonize 15 of the largest state facilities. In addition, Ben manages high-impact turnkey and design-bid-build construction projects contributing significantly to the state's energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

Ben’s professional journey includes various engineering roles where he has conducted energy audits, QAQC inspections, engineering reviews, and managed energy efficiency projects, spanning from retro-commissioning in accordance with Local Law 87 in NYC to managing indoor air quality reporting and testing for buildings in major cities like NYC, Washington DC, and Boston.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Vermont, has obtained the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) accreditation and is currently studying for the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam. Ben is also an active member of professional associations such as the Adventure Cycling Association, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

In his personal time, Ben enjoys long-distance cycling, spending time in nature, and playing with his dog.

Amer Jandali is a professional nightclub DJ turned environmental entrepreneur. Amer has an MFA in Design for Social Innovation, is an adjunct professor at John Jay College and The New School of Design and is the Founder of a social impact design studio called Future Meets Present - current clients include Canva, Pinterest, and the NYC Mayor's Office of Nightlife.

Sameer Ranade serves as a Senior Climate Justice Advisor for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Washington State University and an M.P.A. in Environmental Policy & Management from the University of Washington. Sameer’s background includes extensive work experience as a legislative staffer and election campaign organizer at State, Congressional, and Presidential levels and with clean energy and environmental nonprofits and government agencies. Notably, Sameer completed two stints on President Obama’s historic ’08 and ’12 election campaigns. In 2016, Sameer ran for an open seat in the Washington State House of Representatives, earning endorsements from every environmental group and demonstrating a strong grassroots presence. Sameer’s expertise is at the intersection of ethics, social science, climate policy and public administration. His hobbies include writing and performing rhymes at open mics, reading the NYT, drinking coffee, and jogging in New York City’s parks.

Steven Aarons is an environmental studies major on the earth systems science tract at Hunter College. Steven transferred to CUNY from Vassar College after seeking a technical-application focused education. Steven’s research includes machine learning applications in Numerical Weather Prediction, as well as modeling infrastructure damage in war zones via remote sensing. Through the CUNY CREST NSF REU-Remote Sensing for the Environment fellowship, Steven has presented their research at the American Geophysical Union, American Meteorological Society, and won first place in the Environmental Science category at the Emerging Researchers National conference in April 2025. After their BA, Steven intends to work in the public sector and apply their skills to benefitting New York City communities beginning with their internship at the Department of City Planning. Their hobbies include gardening and volunteering at the Hart-to-Hart Community Garden, as well as spending time with their partner and their cat.

Rebecca Dengrove is a food scientist, technical sales leader, and sustainability advocate with deep expertise in plant-based innovation and climate-forward food systems. She currently works with Planteneers, helping brands develop more sustainable and scalable food solutions.

Rebecca holds a Climate Change and Health certificate from Yale University and a master's in food science from Rutgers University. She actively contributes to Climate Crisis Policy, where she’s supported advocacy for the Earth Bill (HR 598)—focusing on food and agriculture’s role in climate mitigation.

She also teaches Food Science at Hunter College, bringing a systems-based perspective to the environmental impact of food production. Her work bridges science, policy, and education to advance climate justice through food.

K.C. Alvey is a Policy Advisor for External Affairs with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice. Her work focuses on stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, legislative research, and intergovernmental coordination to create healthy, safe, and climate-resilient neighborhoods. K.C. has over 10 years of community engagement and project management experience working with city agencies and non-profit organizations focused on climate resilience, food systems, and green infrastructure projects, including NYC Parks GreenThumb and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Previously, K.C. worked as an organizer for 350.org and other advocacy organizations focused on climate change. She received a Master of Urban Planning from Hunter College and a B.S. in Natural Resources with a minor in Law & Society from Cornell University.

Prisha Rao is a Macaulay Honors student at Hunter College, majoring in Political Science and Chinese with a certificate in Public Policy. They are currently an intern at New American Leaders, where they support civic leadership development for first- and second-generation Americans. Prisha’s background includes experience in political organizing and public interest research, with a focus on advancing policies rooted in climate justice, immigrant rights, and labor equity. Their work is grounded in the belief that climate solutions must center historically marginalized communities and address structural inequality. Outside of their advocacy work, Prisha enjoys practicing Mandarin, exploring urban green spaces, and rock climbing.

Katherine [Gloede Silverman] is the Assistant Director for the Sustainability in the Urban Environment Program, City College's Master of Science in Sustainability. She fulfills both administrative and advising duties for the unique, interdisciplinary graduate programs. Outside of her role at City College, Katherine is working on her dissertation in the Constructed Environment PhD Program at the University of Virginia School of Architecture. While at UVA, Katherine was a teaching assistant both in sustainability courses and for the global sustainability capstone class. Prior to joining City College, she was a resiliency planner at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and a data journalist focused on green building at Hanley Wood—publishers of Architect and Builder Magazine among other trade publications. While completing her M.A. in Environmental Conservation Education at NYU, she served as the assistant to the program’s director. Katherine holds a B.S. in Geography and Environmental Inquiry from Penn State University. Though she's lived in NYC for years, she is (somehow proudly) originally from New Jersey.

Navida Vignoles, MSc received her Master's Degree in Sustainability in the Urban Environment from The City College of New York, CUNY and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a focus in International Studies at St. John's University. Having founded a community based organization (CBO) during COVID through identifying community needs, she provided zero cost hands on botanical learning for inter-generational learners. Through years of work at New York City museums, Navida is able to make the hard sciences digestible for learners of all levels through hands-on education. Navida is most passionate about long term sustainability in urban environments, finding herself at work with both CUNY and MTA. In this position as the Senior Program Manager of CUNY x MTA Internship Program at the City University of New York within the office of Career and Industry Partnerships, she has the pleasure of introducing CUNY students to long term sustainable careers at MTA. To date, she has served over 600 students in this position and eagerly looks forward to serving 600 more.

Liv Albrecht is an Urban Studies and Art History major at Hunter College. They’re passionate about public artworks, art conservation, and environmental advocacy, and hope to work in these fields in their future career. In their free time, they love doodling, making prints and learning about birds, fish, and insects.

Muhammad Anus serves as a student facilitator for the Hunter Green Summit and is currently pursuing a Human Biology degree at Hunter College with a focus on healthcare administration and innovation. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for sustainability, Muhammad is actively involved in several campus organizations, including the Hunter Green Society, Pre-Dental Society and the Healthcare Business Club.

In addition to academic involvement, I works at a mid-level healthcare facility, where I focus on gaining firsthand experience in patient-centered care and the operational challenges of the medical field. This role has deepened my interest in introducing cutting-edge, sustainable medical technologies that can improve healthcare delivery while reducing costs and environmental impact.

With aspirations to work in medical sales or healthcare administration, Muhammad is particularly interested in how environmental responsibility and healthcare innovation intersect. Outside of academics and work, I enjoys exploring New York City, staying current on healthcare trends, and spending time in my garden with my younger brother.

Sonique Drake is a sophomore majoring in Urban Studies at Hunter College. She has a strong interest in sustainability, community outreach, and green jobs in New York City. As a volunteer for the Hunter Green Summit, she is pleased to contribute to conversations around climate change and help build collective resilience through local action. Sonique hopes to pursue a career as an urban planner or designer, focused on creating more equitable, sustainable cities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and photography as ways to explore and reflect on the urban environment.

David Myers is in his final year in the Sustainability in the Urban Environment Graduate Program at City College of New York. He is currently a Business Analyst for the CUNY Central Office. David is an operational professional with nearly twenty years experience in a wide variety of organizations, including start-ups, state government, and Fortune 500 companies. His expertise includes business analysis, project management, and process improvement. He has a Masters of Business Administration with a focus on Business Intelligence.

Justin Miranda Paz is a 4^th year undergraduate Hunter student, double majoring in Environmental Studies and French Language and Civilization. He has had experience in studying environmental policy abroad in Lyon, France during the autumn semester of his 3rd year, in a course that compares the EU's to the US's; as well as having performed field research on the endemic Galapagos Sea Lions earlier this January while based in the Galapagos Islands.

As a New York native, Justin finds ample time to be engaged in the meticulous work of conservationists and land stewards across the city's many green spaces, including that of his base in Forest Park, where he cuts down invasive plants, clears desire lines, and maintains trails for the benefit of park goers and wildlife. Recently, Justin began to practice learning how to construct structure such as puncheons and check steps to help visitors navigate the city's parks and continue to learn and grow through applying to environmental education positions over the summer. If you couldn't tell, Justin is a people person, and loves to educate people about the complexities of ecology from an urban standpoint. 

Justin’s main goal is to explore the US's vast landscapes to gain a better understanding of how ecology is managed there and what skills his peers and he can bring to the table in pursuit of graduate programs outside NY or throughout internships over the summer. Justin also aims to learn more about ArcPy to gather geographic coordinates and make maps out of it while using technology as sustainably as possible, and use GIS systems to supplement my efforts as well as the teams.

Justin’s philosophy about the environment is: All for one and one for all! (Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno)