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 Environment & Sustainability and Public Affairs and is passionate about working toward equitable, just, and socially informed environmental solutions on campus and beyond.

Kelli is a fourth-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 Student Program Coordinator, aiding in current and future sustainability projects.

Divya is a fourth-year Accounting and Finance student. She is from Santa Clarita, CA, and she loves singing, baking, trying new matcha cafes, or exploring the city. She will be working at IEJS as a Program Coordinator for the upcoming school year.

Kai is a fourth-year Cell and Molecular Biology major minoring in Environmental Science and Chemistry. He is from Hilo, Hawai'i and enjoys being in the ocean, making lei, and playing volleyball. His academic and career interests focus on using science and community knowledge to better understand and protect island ecosystems in the face of climate change. This year, Kai will serve as an IEJS Student Program Coordinator.