#LevelUp

Meet Lia Mussie, a sophomore Ecosystem Science and Policy + Political Science double major, with minors in Sustainable Business and Journalism!

As an Environmental Law Intern with Lean Orb, she got to read and report on local environmental policy, specifically regarding the regulation of single-use plastics and sea-level rise initiatives as it relates to climate change, interact with local officials on plastic legislation while promoting education efforts to constituents to influence action, and engage with multiple non-profits, on how to advocate for support of laws. At the same time, she was a Correspondent for the Organization of World Peace, working as a volunteer with UThrift, a mentor for the Freshman Leadership Academy of United Black Students, Director of Membership for Young and College Democrats, and the Logistics Chair for the 2022 Students of Color Symposium.

Through the Toppel Internship Fund, she was able to stay in Miami and work with a plastics-based start-up studying Florida legislation regarding plastic usage, sea level rise, and water quality, as well as work on several research projects that analyze the effects of climate change on people or communities.

Piece of Advice:

“Don't feel confined in your major, your experiences, or anything. I have worked with non-profits and NGOs, medical and environmental research, policy and law, corporate consulting, racial and social advocacy groups, and many more! Obviously, most of them do not directly pertain to my major, but each experience has given me insight and skills I will take into any and every role I have. Just because you committed to one specific path your freshman year, doesn't mean you can't shift, change, and grow; as every experience simply gives you knowledge, experience, and the opportunity for growth.”