Fighting for What’s Right
Isabel Valentín, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Isabel Valentín is a planet protector fighting for environmental justice.
In 2017, she witnessed firsthand the damage of Hurricane Maria to her native San Juan, Puerto Rico, and its devastating long-term effects on the people. Fueled by a sense of urgency from that experience, she vowed to spend her life fighting for marginalized communities and using extreme weather events as an opportunity to talk about climate change solutions.
“I’ve seen how communities can be forgotten by systems meant to help and protect people,” she said. “There are things fundamentally wrong with the laws on the books — they are set up to benefit only certain people. Our laws are broken because they don’t serve all people. I want to be part of the team that changes the laws, so they can help protect those people and preserve the natural world.”
I want to be part of the team that changes the laws, so they can help protect those people and preserve the natural world.”
In her recent interview with Vogue magazine, Valentín speaks of her desire to advocate for voices that are silenced or too quiet to cut through the surrounding noise. She talks about turning ideas into action that will spark change. She reflects on memories protesting for what is right. Her dream is to become an environmental lawyer, return to Puerto Rico, and help amplify voices and deliver solutions.
She’s getting her academic start at ESF, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, with plans to pursue a law degree after graduation in May 2024.
“I chose SUNY ESF because it caters to my specialization in environmental law. My experiences at ESF have been positive overall, and I have found the faculty, staff, and students to be warm and inviting. Many people are open to collaboration, which has been extremely helpful in gaining experience and building my resumé,” she said.
Valentín is especially grateful for her inclusion in the Betsy and Jesse Fink Career Development Program, which helps promote the career and professional development of ESF students. Through it, she worked directly with the City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development as a summer intern, where she developed an action plan, informed by data and strong community engagement, dedicated to improving access to local food. As a future environmental lawyer, it is intrinsic for Valentín to be knowledgeable on how economic growth can be concretely implemented and empower communities to thrive.
“This experience directly impacted my career path by giving me the tools and resources I required to gain valuable skills that will benefit me in the workplace and throughout my studies,” she said.
Valentín is working on a capstone project that focuses on creating an equitable way for colleges to conduct research in underprivileged areas. She is halfway through taking the LSATs, applying to law schools, and looking forward to eventually returning home to join advocacy efforts.
