Institute for Sustainability Engagement | EFC Region 2

We are thrilled to welcome and introduce Hannah Mesa?as one of the new?Graphic Design Assistants on our team!? ? Hannah is currently a student at Syracuse University, where she is pursuing double majors in Illustration and Art History, with a minor in Marketing. She is enthusiastic about creating informational graphics that are visually engaging, creative, and easy to read for various audiences. In the future, Hannah aspires to work as a professor while simultaneously engaging in graphic and illustration projects. She is passionate about teaching and aims to make educational materials more accessible through her work. ? ? In her free time, Hannah enjoys making jewelry, thrifting, crafting, and painting. Hannah also has two adorable cats that she adores.? ? Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Hannah!? ? #GraphicDesign #SyracuseUniversity #ISE #NewTeamMember #Welcome?#WelcometotheTeam?

We're excited to introduce one of our new Project Assistants, Ivy Ven Roy! Ivy will be contributing to the NYS Sustainable Materials Management Stewardship Program and other ISE projects, including the Reuse/Repair Locator tools for Recycle Right New York. ? ? Ivy graduated from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a B.S. in Environmental Studies, specializing in Natural System Applications, and a minor in Environmental Writing and Rhetoric. Her educational background has sparked her?passion for learning about mammals and finding innovative ways to reuse/upcycle and repair items.? ? Ivy's career goal is to improve people's knowledge of and access to sustainable decision-making while fostering a love for our shared environment. Deeply interested in challenging the perception of "waste," she aims to cultivate gratitude for our materials and combat throw-away culture.? ? Some additional fun facts about Ivy: She has lived in five states, played rugby in high school, and has a beloved black cat named Orion (after the constellation)! In her spare time, she also enjoys trying new recipes, doing puzzles, reading, photography, and playing board/video games with friends and family.? ? Join us in giving a warm welcome to Ivy!? ? ? #ISE #NewTeamMember #Welcome?#WelcometotheTeam?

?? New Yorkers! Stay up to date with upcoming events, recent news, and more in the latest edition of our Environmental Finance Center’s NY Newsletter. Get all the latest water-related news and resources for NYS communities all in one place.?? ? ?? Featured in this newsletter: A new resource highlighting new directions for local septic system management in New York State, a new video on Combined Sewer Overflow events, and more! Learn about upcoming webinars through the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN), and learning opportunities throughout the state.? Check out the latest edition here: https://lnkd.in/g5n_72j2 ?? Subscribe today: https://lnkd.in/eSCQpU6e ? ? ?? #Newsletter #Events #NYS #Webinars #Funding #WaterisLife #Water #NewYork?#SepticSystems??

Last week, ISE team members Averi Davis, Patrick Lynch, and ISE Director Melissa Young proudly represented our Environmental Finance Center at this year's Association of Towns of the State of New York conference. The team had the honor of discussing critical issues around water and sewer infrastructure, and it was a great opportunity to connect with town leaders and other partners across New York State.? ? While at the conference, our EFC hosted two insightful sessions on municipal infrastructure funding opportunities. Our first session featured state and federal representatives who presented their water infrastructure grants and financing options. In our second session, we brought a real-world scenario to life with?our 2nd annual Funder Games! In this session, attendees stepped into the interactive world of the fictional Town of Calamity Falls where they tackled real-world funding challenges alongside state and federal funders. Attendees left with practical insights into navigating co-funding opportunities and learned strategies to better navigate funding prerequisites, questions, and challenges.? ? At the conference, guest speakers Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Kathy Hochul spoke about the importance of investing in water and sewer infrastructure. Senator Schumer highlighted water projects that our team have worked on with towns throughout the Hudson Valley and central New York, and governor Hochul talked about her time as a town official. The team had a fantastic time exhibiting and connecting with leaders from towns across New York State, including Syracuse University alumni, about the water and sewer challenges that affect their communities.? ? A huge thank you to our state and federal funders for their support, and NYS Association of Towns for putting on such a successful event: NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, New York State Department of Health, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of State, USDA Rural Development, New York State Homes & Community Renewal #AssociationOfTowns #NYAOT #FunderGames #Funding #InfrastructureFunding #SUEFC

The future of water is bright—this notion was palpable at New York Water Environment Association’s 97th Annual Meeting in NYC earlier this month! Major highlights from the largest water quality technical conference in NYS: ?? ISE’s Environmental Finance Center, repped by Tess Clark?and TyLin’s Walt A. Walker, PE, ENV SP organized “Tackling Wastewater’s Affordability Challenges,” an interactive panel discussion of tradeoffs and lessons learned. Thank you to our panelists Erica DePalma, Bill Brizzell, and Philip Sapone. ?? Former EPA Water Chief Radhika Fox (pictured) delivered an inspiring keynote, reminding us that communities large and small choose water, even when the road ahead has challenges. ??The NYWEA InFLOW Program celebrated its largest cohort yet—welcoming 19 scholars to an immersive introduction to the water sector, with Cristen Crew mentoring for the first time. ?? Our team supported the brilliant and indefatigable Nadia Mugisha, PE, PMP, CDT, who put together a one-of-kind panel “Navigating the Tides: Inspiring Future Leaders in Water,” (pictured) where real water stories and insights highlighted what makes the water industry so special. We were thrilled to participate and support!? ? #NYWEA #AnnualMeeting? #InFLOW

We are currently at the Association of Towns of the State of New York, stop by and say hello!

"Water" you doing this Valentine's Day? ??? ? At the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN), our hearts are always overflowing with appreciation for our supporters and partners’ dedication to serving water and wastewater systems nationwide. Your unwavering commitment ensures that communities have access to clean, safe, and sustainable water resources every day. ??? ? From all of us at EFCN, we wish you a Happy Valentine's Day filled with love, joy, and continued success in this invaluable work. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission! Please enjoy some water/wastewater sector themed Valentine’s Day cards, and make sure to share with your friends and coworkers!? ? #ValentinesDay #Water #Wastewater #EFCN #HappyValentinesDay?

We're excited to announce that our Environmental Finance Center will be taking part in the Association of Towns of the State of New York Annual Meeting next week! ? ? From February 16th to 18th, join us at the NYC Marriott Marquis for insightful discussions, networking, and community building. We will be hosting a 2-Part session on the 18th covering infrastructure funding opportunities. We also will be tabling, so feel free to stop by and say hi!? ? ?? Session Schedule:? ? Part 1: Explore Municipal Infrastructure Funding Opportunities (Feb 18, 11-12:30 ET)? ? - This session provides an opportunity to speak to representatives from state and federal agencies to learn about grant and financing opportunities and resources.? ? Part 2: Explore Municipal Infrastructure Funding Opportunities: The Funder Games 2.0 (Feb 18th, 2-2:50 ET)? ? - This session brings a real-world funding scenario to life in the fictional town of Calamity Falls where participants will gain insights into navigating co-funding opportunities and strategies to better navigate infrastructure funding challenges.? ? We hope to see you there!? ? #AssociationOfTowns #NYAOT #FunderGames #Funding #InfrastructureFunding #SUEFC?

??? Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science! ???? ?? Today, we shine a spotlight on the incredible women leading the charge in environmental science, particularly in the vital areas of water resources and sustainable materials management (SMM). From conserving our precious water supplies to innovating sustainable waste solutions, women in science are making a transformative impact on our planet.? ?? These trailblazers are developing new technologies to clean our waterways, advocating for sustainable practices, and ensuring that future generations have access to clean water and a healthier environment. Their contributions to science and society are invaluable, and their voices are essential in tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.? ?? Let’s celebrate the achievements of women in STEM and encourage the next generation of girls to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ? ?? #WomenInScience #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience #WaterResources #WasteManagement #STEM #EnvironmentalScience #SMM?

Applications Now Open! Introducing the SU Water Climate Challenge ???? Are you a STEM or humanities undergraduate student from SU or SUNY ESF looking for a creative way to engage with water and climate issues? We are excited to launch the SU Water Climate Challenge—a paid training fellowship that blends technical learning, skill development, and science communication. This program invites students from diverse academic backgrounds to think outside the box and craft compelling stories about climate adaptation and water infrastructure challenges. Why Apply? ?? Develop creative communication projects on real-world water and climate challenges ?? Visit water treatment facilities and explore green infrastructure solutions ?? Connect with experts and peers in engineering, policy, and sustainability ?? Earn up to $1,500 for your program contributions ?? Estimated time commitment: 5-10 hours per week This program is presented by the Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University. ?In collaboration with The University of New Mexico, the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN), and other university partners, this initiative connects students with a national network of experts and peers across the country to tackle real-world challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from expert-led training sessions. ?? Learn More and Apply by February 21, 2025 via Handshake: https://lnkd.in/e2aSkwg5 Questions? Contact Averi Davis, Program Manager, [email protected] #SUWaterClimateChallenge #Sustainability #WaterLeadership #ClimateAction #SyracuseUniversity #PaidOpportunity Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry