Meet the Interns: Hey there, Tegan!
We have such an amazing team of young leaders working behind the scenes to support our global programs and home-base operations as part of WEA’s Internship Program this spring!
Meet Tegan, the passionate and multi-gifted force who has jumped right in to support our growth with her artistry, professionalism and skill in this exciting time for WEA. We are so lucky to have her on our team this semester before she heads off to grad school (congratulations, Tegan!) to deeper her impact for communities and the earth.
Name: Tegan Stuart
Hometown: Portland, OR
If you had a superpower, what would it would be (and why):
I would either want the ability to make plants grow or manipulate natural materials, kind of like an Earthbender from Avatar. I think I could make the world a better place with this gift and maybe keep some of my houseplants alive for more than a few months.
Why did you want to intern with WEA?
I hope to enter a career in the nonprofit sector someday and I want to have experience with an organization whose values I align with. WEA’s mission and the way it is implemented is appealing in terms of capacity building, empowerment, and responsiveness. I admire how socially responsible WEA is and I would like to take these values and experiences into my long term career.
Tell us about a woman who inspires you.
I know it sounds cliche, but my mother inspires me so much. She owns a small business and she works harder than anyone I’ve ever met. She taught me to be compassionate, but also firm when necessary.
Why women and why the environment?
Much of my background has been in interpersonal violence prevention, which disproportionately impacts female identifying individuals. The empowerment and support of women is key to preventing violence and to enriching a community to its brightest potential. I also strongly believe that the world needs many more female leaders and I can’t wait to see how all the amazing women around me change the world.
The environment it also important to me in terms of its direct implications for human health and the reality of environmental violence. Environmental neglect will always unfairly impact marginalized communities and in order to support social justice and health equity, environmental advocacy and consciousness are extremely important.
What does your life outside WEA look like?
I am currently in my last year of undergraduate studies at Saint Mary’s College of California. I am studying health science and creative writing so I divide most of my time between laboratories and coffee shops. I am on the executive team for Women in Science and Engineering Club (WiSE) and The Lounge, which is a diversity focused open mic night that takes place monthly in the intercultural center. I am also actively involved in the Student Coalition Against Abuse and Rape. When I’m not in class or organizing club events I love to draw, paint, listen to podcasts, write poetry and fiction, read novels and comics, and finally practice guitar.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Bay Area?
Every couple of months I take BART to Embarcadero and I spend a Sunday afternoon in the ferry building. I usually spend a few hours browsing the farmers market and looking for a new read at Book Passage.
What are you currently reading / watching / listening to?
I’ve been reading a fantasy series called Throne of Glass, however I am thinking of taking a break to reread my favorite series: the Raven Cycle. I also have been itching to start Children of Blood and Bone.