From the president
Kaviya Chidambaram is passionate about empowering youth to become changemakers in the face of the climate crisis. Recognizing that young people will bear the brunt of environmental challenges but are often excluded from the political processes that shape their future, Kaviya is dedicated to countering youth political apathy and climate anxiety. She is experienced in effecting change through community-centered organizing and seeks to create a world where young people have a voice in shaping their own futures.
At Colorado College, Kaviya is serving as a Bonner Fellow — a highly selective, cohort-based opportunity to work alongside the community for the duration of her college career. Through this program, she is working with a local nonprofit human services agency as a refugee resettlement intern. Kaviya has further honed her advocacy skills as a leader of CC’s chapter of Sunrise Movement, a youth-centric climate action hub. Additionally, she is a co-chair for the Bridge Scholars, a program for first-year students transitioning to the college environment.
At the heart of Kaviya’s work is the belief that meaningful change is rooted in collaboration. Her drive to empower underrepresented voices in policy-making processes reflects her vision of a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Personal Statement
As a young person today, it is easy to feel like the world is burning and there is nothing we can do to fix it. I want to counter youth political apathy and climate anxiety with hope and connection. Young people will bear the brunt of the climate crisis, yet we are often denied the political power and voice to make changes that are vital for our future. I work to support underrepresented changemakers in recognizing the power we have as the leaders our communities need.
This looks like education on the power we hold in shaping our governance, building and empowering a community that leans on each other, and connecting students with their elected officials while mobilizing youth to get the people we need into office. At the core of this work is creating tangible action items that empower young people as changemakers. This requires strengthening partnerships between community coalitions, policymakers, and students to build congruence in action. I am eager to share and expand on this process by connecting with other passionate students through the Newman Civic Fellowship.