From the president
Sophia Faacks truly embodies St. Thomas' commitment to advancing the common good. She grew up in a south Minneapolis community where social justice, equity and inclusion were central values. Within her family, environmentalism always played a key role: it was, she says, understood that "in order to thrive, there must be a balance and a respect for the earth. " Through South High School's environment club, Sophia became involved with a group called iMatter. With other young people from Minneapolis, she wrote, introduced and passed a climate inheritance resolution encouraging their city to adopt a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. They designed their resolution with an eye toward helping marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. Desiring a greater impact, Sophia then began a youth group that worked with state representatives to write and introduce the first state "Green New Deal " bill, which, unlike the national resolution, is legally binding and includes a fossil fuel moratorium. On campus, Sophia is a member of Tommie Ambassadors and our Civic Engagement, Voter Education & Advocacy Task Force. She continues to work for an equitable path to climate justice and looks forward to connecting with other student leaders throughout our nation.
Personal Statement
I grew up in a community where social justice, equity, and inclusion were central values, so throughout my childhood these values were discussed and practiced all around me. Within my family, environmentalism has always played a key role - an understanding that in order to thrive, there must be balance and a respect for the earth. Through my high school's environmental club I got involved with a group called iMatter and along with other young people in Minneapolis wrote, introduced, and passed a climate inheritance resolution committing Minneapolis to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 in a way that helps the marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. Wanting to have a bigger impact, I then started a youth group that worked with state representatives to write and introduce the first state Green New Deal bill, which unlike the national resolution is legally binding and includes a fossil fuel moratorium. On campus, I am part of our voting task force, working to educate students on voting and get them out to vote. I can't wait to continue working for an equitable path to climate justice and work with and learn from so many amazing student leaders from all around the country!