Pescadero and New Orleans, like many coastal communities, sit at the forefront of climate vulnerability and systemic inequities. These detrimental climate consequences disproportionately affect minoritized communities and have been historically and currently amplified by geographical politics (e.g., redlining). Many cities that become more “sustainable” by lawful standards are policies disconnected from local perspectives that cause locals to be outpriced. This discrepancy perpetuates the gentrification of the region and displacement of locals, also resulting in a loss of cultures and diversity.

To combat this, “Engineering Equity” centers intellectual and political frameworks, like Black ecology, that emphasize the importance of tackling social justice and environmentalism issues in tandem. Our aim is that students will adopt a mindset of active collaboration with local reciprocity projects such as wetlands restoration and STEM education outreach with underserved youth. Through their service and experiences in Pescadero and New Orleans, we aim for students to deconstruct current sustainability approaches and explore what equitable, sustainable engineering looks like when created to genuinely preserve the diverse cultures and rich histories of coastal communities.

Meet the co-leads: 

Aranaza Curiel

Hi! I’m Aranza, a junior from East Oakland representing Nayarit, Mexico. I’m studying mechanical engineering and interested in learning how to best design both technically and locally grounded solutions. I’m looking forward to exploring how sustainable systems and community organizations can be designed to protect vulnerable communities while preserving local culture and identity. In my free time I love to blast music and spend time with loved ones. I’m excited to get to know everyone and grow as a cohort!
 

Angely Vargas

Hi! My name is Angely and I’m a junior studying bioengineering on the pre-med track. Among many passions, I’m interested in genetic engineering of plants and creating a sustainable world where all our lands and cultures can flourish; I hope our service in Pescadero and New Orleans can make many peoples’ hearts happy and full. Outside of classes, you can catch me at the gym, making bouquets for fun, or tending to my many (currently nine) plants. I’m super excited to meet everyone!