News & Events

Servant Leader Examines Environmental Justice
Seton Hall > News & Events 

Thursday, October 29, 2009
by: Karen Lynch

Victor De Couto, a second year graduate student at the Whitehead School of Diplomacy attended the Environmental Grantmakers Association's fall retreat in Anchorage, Alaska from September 29 to October 3, 2009. Victor spent this past summer as an intern at the Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA), a membership organization dedicated to making foundations more effective grantmakers in support of a sustainable world. As part of his internship, Victor attended the retreat for member foundations which examined a range of issues such as environmental justice, renewable energy, conservation, environmental education, and sustainability.  
 
"The retreat stressed the close relationship between the environment and social justice," observed Victor. "Participants discussed long-run costs and the need to help communities be more sustainable in light of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.”
 
Recognizing that Alaska exemplifies the many environmental and economic challenges occurring around the globe, Victor was pleased to have the opportunity to distribute his internship project, The Expanding Solar Energy Market and Philanthropy in this forum.
 
As a direct result of his experiences with the EGA in Alaska, Victor has been inspired to investigate new career paths that would align both his personal interests and professional goals.
 
“Attending this conference,” Victor reflects, “confirmed for me that the role of philanthropy cannot be dismissed in tackling local issues that affect the global community. I'm enthusiastic about the prospect of a rewarding career with a foundation that shares my ideals.” 

For more information please contact:
Karen Lynch
(973) 313-6174
karen.lynch@shu.edu