From the president
Alyssa Alvarez ‘26 is a sophomore and a current fellow with Carleton’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) in the food and environmental justice issue area. Alyssa has exercised tremendous leadership both on campus and in the local community to promote engagement with environmental justice issues. This work has included leading the college’s collaboration with Sharing Our Roots, a nonprofit regenerative agriculture organization; co-leading the HOME program, an affordable housing initiative advocating for fair housing policies in Carleton’s surrounding county; and learning to use academic skills to address racial disparities through academic civic engagement courses and public scholarship work with faculty. The critical lens and thoughtful questions she asks in the course of her work in the Center for Community and Civic Engagement hint at the deep sense of purpose that guides her and would make her an excellent Newman Civic Fellow.
Personal Statement
Born and raised in Ewa Beach, Hawaiʻi, I was immersed in a cultural tapestry that taught me the value of inclusivity and collaboration in social work. I currently work with Sharing Our Roots Farm, a regenerative agricultural farm committed to removing systematic barriers for emerging farmers and gardeners. From invasive species removal to biodiversity data science projects, I lead volunteer opportunities as the program coordinator between my college and the farm. I also became involved in the Carleton Association of Nature and Outdoor Enthusiasts. I now serve as their Director of Communications and dedicate my time to making outdoor experiences more accessible. I acted at the Community, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Student Liaison in the Fall of 2022, serving as a voice for students in CEDI decision-making. There, I analyzed survey data to implement anti-racist training for faculty and staff. In the winter of 2023, I also did independent research on small-town policing with Professor Claire Kelling to analyze racial disparities in our local town. My all-in attitude for each of my projects has stemmed from the ethos of my upbringing. With my community always in mind, I am enthusiastic about continuing this approach in all of my initiatives.