2026 Sustainable CT Fellows
Through the Sustainable CT Fellowship Program, students from Connecticut universities and colleges will receive training, supervision, and a stipend to help our communities implement Sustainable CT actions and obtain points towards certification. Learn more about the fellowship program.
Brenny Alcantara
Brenny is a rising senior at the University of Connecticut. He is majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Political Science. He will be working at the Capitol Region Council of Governments in Hartford. Brenny enjoys community work such as organizing cleanups in Waterbury or environmental education at local high schools. If he's ever free, you'll see him skateboarding, eating, or both!
Natalia Altimari
Natalia recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics: Management and Policy, along with a minor in Strategic Communications. During her time at Virginia Tech, she worked with the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, supporting water research initiatives through outreach, fieldwork, and public engagement efforts. Natalia has also gained experience in environmental advocacy, grant writing, and digital communications through roles with the Water Insecurity Correction Coalition, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and national political organizing programs. She is excited to continue advancing environmental policy, climate advocacy, and sustainable resource management as she begins the next chapter of her career. She will be working for Northwest Hills Regional Council of Governments (NHCOG) in Litchfield.
Maya Avilés
Maya is a 2026 graduate of Columbia University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sustainable Development. During her time at Columbia, she served as the 2025–2026 Columbia Chapter Director of Sprout Up, an environmental volunteer organization dedicated to providing environmental education to public school students. She is passionate about environmental justice and community-based advocacy. In her free time, Maya enjoys listening to music and cooking. This summer, Maya will be working with the South Central Regional Council of Governments in North Haven.
Natalie Crowley
Natalie is a rising junior at Amherst College majoring in Environmental Studies and Economics. She previously worked with the Amherst College Office of Sustainability, supporting equitable food distribution initiatives through the Amherst Survival Center. This summer, Natalie is excited to be working with the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments in Norwich. In her free time, Natalie enjoys playing basketball, writing poetry, and spending time outdoors.
Grace DiTunno
Grace is a rising junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in political science and applied data analysis. She will be working in the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments in Waterbury. In her free time, Grace loves running, reading, and paddleboarding.
Adam Hagens
Adam is a rising senior at Yale University pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Climate & Energy. Adam is passionate about local environmental action, having previously worked with the Urban Resources Initiative in New Haven. This summer, he is excited to be working with the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments in Bridgeport. In his free time, Adam enjoys spending time outdoors and thrifting with his friends.
Anna Hilary
Anna is a rising senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Environmental Science and Economics of Sustainable Development and Management. Anna was a Sustainable CT Fellow last summer and is am super excited to learn even more this summer! This summer, Anna will be working with the Capitol Region Council of Governments in Hartford.
Nathaniel Hill
Nathaniel is a first-year graduate student at the University of Denver studying Global Environmental Sustainability with a certificate in Global Business and Corporate Social Responsibility and is a 2025 graduate of the University of Vermont. He will be working with the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments in Essex. In his free time, he enjoys boating and traveling. This fall, he will represent the University of Denver at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, Austria.
Brianna Jackson
Brianna is a rising junior at Boston University studying International Relations and Environmental Analysis and Policy. She is super excited to work with the Western Connecticut Council of Governments in Sandy Hook this summer. Brianna is a passionate environmental advocate and in her spare time you can likely find her going on walks, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Lyah Muktavaram
Lyah is a 2026 graduate from Wesleyan University, where she double-majored in Economics & Environmental Studies. At Wesleyan, she served as an Office Coordinator and Environmental Fellow for the Sustainability Office and as a Zero Waste Fellow with the Post-Landfill Action Network. Lyah is also planning on attending law school to pursue a career in environmental law. In her free time, Lyah enjoys running, traveling, and listening to podcasts. This summer, Lyah will be working with the Western Connecticut Council of Governments in Sandy Hook.