UOG's 4th鈥疌onservation Corps members offer diverse backgrounds
What do an accountant, former on-air personality, architect, and a human resources professional have in common?
They are passionate about the future of our island and part of the newest cohort of the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps, a workforce development program by the 91快播 Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, and the G3 initiative.
Now on its 4th鈥痗ycle, the program introduced its 12 new members on Tuesday, February 27, at the UOG Global Learning and Engagement Building.
Addressing the new G3 Conservation Corps, UOG Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos Bamba said, 鈥淵ou represent the next generation of environmental leaders. Your enthusiasm, commitment, and thirst for knowledge inspire us all. The next five months will be a journey of discovery, hard work, and profound personal growth.鈥
Most members of the 4th cohort come from industries outside the environmental and conservation sectors. Some of them have established careers in their respective fields but are interested in exploring opportunities within the emerging green economy.鈥&苍产蝉辫;
The members of the new G3 Conservation Corps are:
Quintanilla, a policy analyst for four years, stated, 鈥淚 believe that this is a way to merge the past and the future. As a researcher, I would often look at problems, and search for solutions. However, I noticed a significant difference between learning about things and being able to practice them. So, I am looking forward to that.鈥
Perez, with a background in human resources, expressed, 鈥淓ver since I was younger, I've been passionate about addressing climate change because I know it directly impacts our island. Rising sea levels, and trash in the ocean, you see that every day.鈥
Dr. Austin Shelton, Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, said diverse opportunities are available to graduates of the program.鈥&苍产蝉辫;
"Whether your interest lies in aquaculture, agriculture, or even nighttime efforts to catch brown tree snakes, there are immediate job openings in these areas. Many opportunities are available right here at the Research Corporation of the University of Guam, as well as through our various local and federal agency partners,鈥 he said.
Architect Lizama, accountant Manglona and former on-air personality Cruz also shared similar motivations for joining the program.
Shelton added that most of the members of the previous cohorts had achieved success in pursuing their aspirations after the program. 鈥淥ver 70 percent of our graduates have transitioned into green jobs or have chosen further training, all closely aligned with the green economy."
Throughout the five-month program, the鈥G3 Conservation Corps鈥痺ill undergo training and gain exposure in various sustainability-related areas, including agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy practices, recycling, and renewable energy.鈥&苍产蝉辫;
They will also engage with diverse environmental organizations and initiatives鈥痮n Guam and the rest of the Micronesia region.鈥鈥&苍产蝉辫;
After completing the program, the鈥G3 Conservation Corps鈥痺ill earn up to 80 continuing education units (CEUs) from the UOG Global Learning and Engagement.
The first G3鈥鈥 was launched in 2021.
What is G3?鈥&苍产蝉辫;
The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant facilitates the 鈥, or G3 initiative, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.鈥