About Us

Yolanda joined Seattle University in 2015 where she serves as Director of Sustainability. In this role, she collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to plan, assess, and improve SU’s climate action and sustainability performance. She is the recipient of the 2018 Seattle University Lee Thurber Outstanding Staff Award. Since 2022, Yolanda serves as co-chair of Seattle University's Laudato Si Action Platform (LSAP).

Dr. Hayes (Professor, Department of Public Affairs, Arts, and Nonprofit Leadership; Chair, Department of Environment and Sustainability) is the Academic Director for the Institute for Environmental Justice and Sustainability. In this role, she works in partnership with faculty and staff from across the University to think about ways to expand SU’s sustainability and environmental justice teaching, scholarship, and service, on campus and via community partnerships in our region and beyond.

Sophia joined the IEJS team in 2025 and brings experience in community outreach, environmental education, and project coordination. In this role, she develops and implements a wide range of sustainability projects, events, and initiatives. Sophia graduated summa cum laude from Seattle University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Public Affairs and is passionate about working toward equitable, just, and socially informed environmental solutions on campus and beyond.

Jacob is a fourth-year Political Science and Public Affairs major, concentrating in Urban Planning, with a minor in Ethics. He is from Colorado Springs, CO and loves hiking the infamous Manitou Incline. His academic and professional career has been focused on civic engagement, environmental justice, and learning to build more equitable, greener communities. This year, Jacob will serve as an IEJS Student Research and Program Coordinator.

Kelli is a third-year Cell and Molecular Biology student minoring in Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Philosophy. She is from Redmond, WA, and she loves hiking, camping, running, or anything arts and crafts. She will be working at IEJS as a Research and Program Coordinator, aiding in current and future sustainability projects.