From the president
Natalie Sysko ‘27 is a community-committed student dedicated to addressing the root causes of gender inequality and creating positive change in her community. Natalie’s interest in social change began her first semester at WPI when she took the Great Problems Seminar, focusing on addressing systemic inequality. Natalie’s team investigated the root causes of gender inequality and researched reproductive rights and barriers to reproductive care. Natalie’s experience fostered her interest in adding policy studies to her major. Natalie hopes to use her skills and abilities to create positive social change in her community. While at WPI, Natalie joined the Sexual Assault Awareness Committee and is working to raise awareness of and combat sexual assault. She also joined a sorority whose mission is focused on fighting hunger. One of the qualities that set Natalie apart is her ability to come together with others to tackle complex problems. STEM and project-based education at WPI offers her an invaluable opportunity to learn about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and effective teamwork. Natalie is a motivated student and has the potential to develop innovative and collaborative approaches to addressing public problems. She is dedicated to social justice and committed to community-based solutions.
Personal Statement
While employed at American Eagle, I brought change by supporting body positivity and non-gender-conforming dressing. At WPI, I joined the Sexual Assault Awareness Committee to address the root cause of sexual assault and the best ways to combat it. Following that, I pledged a sisterhood that promises to fight hunger. During the Great Problems Seminar, my team and I addressed the foundation of abortion inequality in Florida. This was just the start of the work I was doing in my community. Growing up, I volunteered at my mom’s elementary school for PTEA events. I also was able to be the Jr. director for Nazareth Intermediate School for two years and the Jr. Choir director for 2 years following that. This allowed me to see and experience different people from different backgrounds. I saw firsthand the struggles that many face because of the effects of others. This made me never want to stop the potential for change in the world around me. My main goal in life is to impact one person's life in a positive way every day. Going forward, I hope my work in social change can reflect these qualities that make me me.