Recent Graduate Spotlights
We are lucky at the CWC to have the support of a volunteer team made up of incredibly bright, helpful, motivated community members, including college students from the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. We’ve reached out to several recent grads to ask about their time in Gainesville and catch up on their whereabouts now. Check back each month to read a new feature.
Taylor DiPietro
11/27/24
What degree(s) did you graduate with, and which semester?
I graduated in Spring 2024 with a BA in Environmental Science. I had minors in Urban & Regional Planning and Sustainability & the Built Environment.
What’s your passion within the realm of environmental issues?
I’m passionate about the intersection of people and the environment. I think a lot about our urban spaces and how they could connect more deeply with the natural world. I think we should be building our world in a way that preserves natural resources. I would definitely say sustainability is my passion – the intersection of people, the environment, and the economy.
What were some of your favorite local haunts in Gainesville?
Oh my god, I miss so much. It’s mostly food related I’m not going to lie. I miss Uppercrust, Bagel Bakery, and Sohao Cafe. I miss working at the O’Connell Center, and I particularly miss working with the CWC!
Where are you located now, and what are you doing for work?
I live in Tampa now! I’m working as a land use planner for Kimley-Horn. I mostly work on entitlements and getting land development projects approved by the municipalities here. I’m happy because I get to write a lot and justify why we need to build more multi-family housing!
To what do you attribute your recent success?
I would definitely say get started early. I wanted to work for Kimley-Horn since I was a sophomore, so I made sure I was always applying for internships, and I attended every single event KH held at UF. And once you’ve got your in, never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and always be curious.
Can you share a story about something amazing that has happened since you graduated?
I moved in with my partner! It’s been incredible, and I love living with her.
What’s one of your favorite memories with the CWC, and why?
I can’t pick just one! I really really loved doing tune-ups. Our clients were always so open to learning, and I loved meeting people from our community. I felt like I really was making a difference in people’s lives and their habits. It made me feel part of something bigger than myself.
What’s one standout household conservation tip that you use in your daily life?
I always make sure to turn up my AC when I leave home! I turn it up to 78°. We used to turn it up to 80°, but I realized the AC was working a little too hard to bring the air back down to 74° (which is where we always keep it at!) so I’ve adjusted to putting it to 78° instead. It’s all about balance! We use fans to keep cool most of the time.
What words of advice do you have for current students?
I would say be curious and be open! You never know what opportunities might come your way, and you might end up doing something you never thought you would. And please please appreciate it! Go to games, hang out with your friends, and enjoy life.
Do you have professional advice specifically for people who share any of your identities?
For other professional women, I would definitely suggest connect with other women in your industry. The architect, engineering, and construction industry can be very male dominated, but I’ve found solace in connecting with other women. There’s support out there if you look for it!
Rachel Rothman
10/30/2024
What degree(s) did you graduate with, and which semester?
I graduated from the University of Florida in the spring of 2024 with a degree in Sustainability Studies.
What’s your passion within the realm of environmental issues?
My passion within the realm of environmental issues is preventing species from going extinct. I’m deeply committed to protecting biodiversity and ensuring that endangered species, like the North Atlantic Right Whale, have a fighting chance for survival.
What were some of your favorite local haunts in Gainesville?
I used to love going to Barcade, 4th ave Food Park, and Main Street Billiards when I was living in Gainesville.
Where are you located now, and what are you doing for work?
I am currently located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, working as an organizer with the Green Corps on the Save the Right Whale campaign. My role involves coordinating efforts to raise awareness and take action to protect endangered species like the North Atlantic Right Whale, as well as organizing student-led environmental campaigns on campus.
To what do you attribute your recent success?
I owe much of my recent success to my professors at the University of Florida, who not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this role but also connected me with the opportunity itself. Additionally, my time with the CWC played a significant part in shaping my journey, as it was there that I developed a true passion for nonprofit work.
Can you share a story about something amazing that has happened since you graduated?
Since graduating from UF and joining Green Corps, I’ve achieved several key milestones in the campaign to save the North Atlantic right whale. I’ve collected over 5,000 petition signatures, held a meeting with a congressional staffer here in Massachusetts, secured the support of over 25 local businesses, and started building a dedicated team of volunteers and interns in Dartmouth. Together, we’re working to mobilize grassroots, grasstops, and media support to persuade our targetrepresentative to urge the administration to pass the vessel speed limit rule that is crucial for saving the whales.
What’s one of your favorite memories with the CWC, and why?
One of my favorite memories with the CWC was conducting my very first energy tune-up at an apartment complex. I was pretty nervous at first, but Katie helped ease my nerves and guided me through each step of the process. It was especially heartwarming to see how much the residents appreciated our efforts.
What words of advice do you have for current students?
Trust the process. Even if you’re unsure of what you want to do right now, you’ll figure it out in time—you never know when the next opportunity might be just around the corner. Also, if environmental activism and social change interest you, Green Corps is currently hiring full-time positions for recent graduates. It’s a great chance to turn your passion into action. You can learn more and apply at greencorps.org.
Daniela Quintero
10/3/2024
What degree(s) did you graduate with, and which semester?
In Spring 2023 I graduated with a Dual Degree in Economics & Sustainability and the Built Environment with a minor in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance. In Summer of 2024 I graduated with a Master’s in Integrated Sustainable Development.
What’s your passion within the realm of environmental issues?
My passion for environmental issues stems from growing up in an environmentally conscious community where it was made clear to me at a young age that we all have a responsibility to protect the planet. Spending time outdoors helped me appreciate the natural world even more, deepening my belief that it’s everyone’s duty to adopt and promote sustainable habits in their everyday lives. I’m committed to contributing to this collective effort through both personal action and professional work.
What were some of your favorite local haunts in Gainesville?
My favorite local haunt is Depot Park. I love seeing people from all over Gainesville enjoy the park, the trails, and most importantly the turtles and alligators.
Where are you located now, and what are you doing for work?
I am a Sustainability Analyst for Cooper Carry (an architecture firm) in Washington, DC.
To what do you attribute your recent success?
I attribute my recent success to my passion for sustainability and my eagerness to continually learn. The field is always evolving, and just when I feel like I’m catching up with the latest innovations, I realize there’s still so much more to explore. This constant drive to learn excites me and keeps me engaged. I also owe much of my success to my mentor, Bahar Armaghani, whose guidance has empowered me to grow and become the best version of myself.
Can you share a story about something amazing that has happened since you graduated?
Since graduating, I’ve experienced an incredible shift. After spending over a year applying to hundreds of jobs without a single interview, I began to lose hope. But upon graduation, everything changed. I received more job offers than college offers in high school, and doors started opening for me in both design and sustainability. Beyond launching my career, I also formed friendships with like-minded individuals who have since become some of my best friends. It’s amazing to see the fruits of my labor finally paying off, and now I’m working in my dream job, in my dream location!
What’s one of your favorite memories with the CWC, and why?
One of my favorite memories with the CWC was doing my first tune-up in Spanish, helping an elderly couple in their home. The experience was especially touching because it felt like I was speaking to my own grandparents. They were so kind, offering us snacks and drinks to keep us going during the tune-up. The most rewarding part, though, was seeing their faces light up with gratitude when we made small changes, like installing an LED light bulb and a low-flow aerator. It’s moments like this that remind me why I volunteer—seeing firsthand the positive impact our work has on the community.
What’s one standout household conservation tip that you use in your daily life?
Power strips are one of my everyday energy-saving tools. By turning them off when not in use, they help eliminate phantom loads— the electricity devices still draw even when turned off or in standby mode. This simple action cuts down on wasted energy and makes a noticeable difference in overall energy consumption.
What words of advice do you have for current students?
My advice to current students is to explore as much as possible and find what truly sparks your interest. Get involved in different activities and projects—you’ll meet like-minded people, build friendships, and stay engaged with meaningful work. Most importantly, aim to love what you do every day. Time is precious, so make sure you’re pursuing your passions while surrounding yourself with great people who inspire you!
Do you have professional advice specifically for people who share any of your identities?
It can feel intimidating to engage in professional settings, especially when you don’t feel fully qualified or experienced. This can be even more challenging for women or people of color, who may struggle with feeling like they belong in those spaces. My advice is to remember that you deserve to be there just as much as anyone else. Even if you’re still learning, the fact that you’re putting yourself out there to grow says a lot about your potential. Confidence comes from taking those steps, and every conversation is an opportunity to learn and contribute.
