An Interview with Sabrina Hunte
Sabrina Hunte first learned about Changemakers through her university, Bowdoin College. A 2020 graduate, Sabrina double-majored in Environmental Studies and Government and was deeply involved in both the Environmental Studies academic department and the school’s Office of Sustainability. Sabrina was drawn to attend the 2016 Changemakers Gathering and remained active in the network by staying connected through newsletters, emails, the Changemakers Facebook group, and working ad hoc on items as they arose. By her senior year, she became a Changemakers Fellow, and had already participated in many network events. Sabrina attended many New England Grassroots Environmental Fund Conferences, whose grant program funds Changemakers. Inspired by her conference experience, she became a Grant Reader and has been continuing in that role for over three years. At the North American Environmental Education Association (NAAEE) conference in Lexington, Sabrina presented about the 2019 Changemakers Gathering, which she also helped plan. That opportunity to present made it clear how unique MEEA Changemakers’ model remains nationally. Sabrina noted that other states were impressed by the work of the network, seeking to replicate and send youths to the Changemakers Gatherings. “I hope that we did serve as a catalyst at that event and inspired state affiliates to take more of an active role in engaging their youth,” said Sabrina, stressing the strength and robust nature of the Changemakers network. Her conversations with state affiliates solidified MEEA’s “influence and importance.”
The strength of interpersonal and organizational connections in the intergenerational Changemakers network is “one of [its] biggest selling points.” The breadth of variety in the network provides opportunities to connect with people working in many different sectors, each with their own branch of opportunities and resources. The network is not only a source of professional networking, but also of friendship. Many of the projects Sabrina led through the Environmental Studies program at Bowdoin resulted from connections to others in the Changemakers community. MEEA’s commitments to equity and accessibility also stand out as unique features of its organizing model. Sabrina noted the intentionality during events that fosters a space in which everyone is given the opportunity to share, and ensures that transportation and childcare are not barriers to participation. “Everybody has to get their start somewhere, so if you’re getting your start in such a positive, supportive network, it’s going to help you in the long run.” At the NAAEE conference, Changemakers provided Sabrina with the feedback, guidance, and support to take ownership of her work and feel confident presenting on a national scale. In addition, MEEA recognizes its Changemakers for the crucial work they are already doing in their communities by nominating them for opportunities outside the network.
Upon moving back to New Jersey after college, she felt a drive to connect with her local community, which led her to volunteer for the Newark Water Coalition. She has volunteered weekly for a year and a half for this initiative, which educates the residents of Newark and surrounding areas about their water quality. She helps to distribute water at sites and to teach about sustainability. The work “made me feel like I had more of a purpose,” she said. This grounding in community is reflected in her views on grassroots organizing. She believes that grassroots efforts are often more impactful than top-down structures, which usually fail to redistribute wealth and power. Learning about the struggles of Mainers outside of her community was a valuable piece of her work here. By broadening your understanding of other communities, “it helps you on your own journey when you’re going back into your own community and also gives you a wider perspective on the issue at hand.” Because so many problems are interrelated, they also often stem from the same root cause, and addressing these causes from various angles strengthens movements. Although grassroots efforts are notorious for burnout, the stronger these movements become, the lighter the burden of work is on each individual. At the water distribution site, Sabrina says that even two to three more volunteers could prevent burnout for others. Through Changemakers and her time at Bowdoin, Sabrina recognized and acquired the power to make a difference, no matter how small.
Currently, Sabrina works on Risk Management for an insurance company where she sits on the committee for the new Climate Risk Initiative, leading research on climate change that will impact how the company views their practices, pricing, and marketing. In the future, she sees herself working for a government job that would integrate her interests in government and the environment, such as the EPA or the State Department. She wants to be in a position to make large-scale change, but also recognizes the importance of community-based efforts - a lesson learned from her start in the Changemakers network.
