Written by Joycelyn Brobbey ’26 and Kiera Tran ’27.
Bre Giovanniello, a Colgate University alumna, reflects on her experience at Colgate as a Sustainability Intern. As a member of the class of 2016, Bre was part of the intern team that launched the Sustainability Representatives (S-Reps), an initiative that engages first-year and transfer students in sustainability efforts on campus, fostering a deeper relationship with the Office of Sustainability.
Bre notes that her experience as a Sustainability Intern at Colgate was fundamental in shaping her career path, as she played a pivotal role in Colgate’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality and collaborated with like-minded individuals during her time at the university. This valuable internship experience helped her secure a position on the Marketing and Outreach team at the World Wildlife Fund.
What inspired your work with the development of the Sustainability Representatives Program? How did you envision S-Reps continuing 10 years down the line?
I don't think I can take much credit for this program. It was in its infancy during my time at Colgate, but I am thrilled at how it has taken off since. Hopefully it's a great way to get first-year students interested in sustainability and to see a future with the sustainability office during and even after their time at school.
How has your sustainability experience at Colgate influenced your work after graduation?
My sustainability experience at Colgate was incredibly rewarding and has been a cornerstone in shaping my career. Contributing to the university's goal of achieving carbon neutrality and collaborating with people who care as much about sustainability as I do solidified my interest in pursuing a career in this field after Colgate. I was fortunate to find a role at the World Wildlife Fund after graduation to continue my work in sustainability and conservation.
What does your work at the World Wildlife Fund look like?
I work on the Marketing and Outreach team at WWF, specifically in peer-to-peer fundraising. Peer-to-peer fundraising is a strategy that involves individuals raising funds on behalf of WWF from their network of friends and family. My team and I develop and implement programs to encourage people to fundraise for WWF and provide support to make sure that they are successful in their efforts. In addition to peer-to-peer fundraising, I also work as a liaison between our private sector engagement team and the marketing department to facilitate fundraising initiatives from our corporate partners. Our corporate partners often have an idea of how they would like to fundraise for WWF, and we figure out how to make that possible.
Do you have any advice for incoming students at Colgate?
My advice for incoming students would be to try to explore the Adirondack Park at least once during your time at Colgate. I'm so grateful for the sustainability internship and my environmental studies and geography professors, especially Professor Cardelus and Professor Kraly, who organized trips to the ADKs and to Camp Colgate. The Adirondacks are a really special place and a great reminder of why conservation is so important. Definitely worth a trip for a beautiful hike or cross-country ski. I would also recommend checking out The Wild Center to learn more about the story of the Adirondacks and the people and nature that call it home.