From the president
Stephanie “Alexa” Palafox, a junior majoring in Environmental Communication at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), as a 2025–2026 Newman Civic Fellow. Ms. Palafox exemplifies CSUCI’s core values through her deep commitment to environmental justice, civic engagement, and service. As a member of the CSUCI Corps, Ms. Palafox serves as a Climate Corps intern with Sustainability at CI, organizing impactful initiatives such as Campus Cleanup Day and a reusable bag collection program. She will soon lead Adopt-A-Spot, a sustainability project designed to create lasting environmental change on campus. Ms. Palafox also works as a Basic Needs Ambassador at the CSUCI Dolphin Pantry, integrating her environmental work into efforts supporting food and resource security. Her academic background in Environmental Communication and Chicana/o Studies equips her with skills in public communication, policy writing, and understanding systemic inequities—preparing her to address complex social and environmental issues. Ms. Palafox is a creative thinker and compassionate leader whose work bridges practical impact with long-term systemic change. Ms. Palafox is an exceptional candidate for the Newman Civic Fellowship, and I am confident that she will both benefit from and contribute meaningfully to this national network of civic-minded student leaders.
Personal Statement
My concern for the environment began during my junior year of high school. I took an environmental science class and joined the environmental advocacy club. During my senior year, I became secretary of the club and started to understand the complexities of humans and the environment. This exposure led me to choose my course of study in Environmental Communication at CSU Channel Islands. I believe that my educational experience is preparing me to make an impact both on campus and after graduation. These classes are teaching me important skills, such as writing policy briefs, grant proposals, and communicating science to the public. On campus, I work for the Center of Community Engagement as a Climate Corps member and work closely with Sustainability at CI. Here, I plan volunteer events, like Campus Cleanup Day, help run programs, like our reusable bag collection, and promote environmentally friendly practices and environmental issues to my peers. Sustainability at CI’s next big project is Adopt-A-Spot, modeled after Adopt-A-Highway. My role in developing this new campaign demonstrates my ability to lead and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of my university by promoting community and environmental stewardship. I am very excited to see what the future holds.