Meet our fall 2022 semester interns
Lydia Barker-Winkworth (she/her)
Lydia is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Sustainable Built Environments from the University of Arizona. Growing up in many different cities, she has learned to appreciate the connection between people and place. This appreciation motivates her to nurture community connectivity, active transportation, and historic preservation. Recognizing the need for sweeping changes in our current economic, environmental, and social systems, Lydia hopes to one day be a champion of sustainability and resilience in communities across the United States. With a strong interest in global collaboration, a main focus in her education considers sustainable strategies in various parts of the world and how we might integrate them into our own communities. Lydia believes that no matter where she may find herself in the world, the voices of those who have been silenced are the ones who will ultimately create the equitable and just society that we strive for.
[Lydia is wearing a red collared shirt, her hair is pulled back but loose in the front, and she’s smiling. The sky behind her is bright blue.]
Vanessa King (they/them)
Vanessa is LSA's Peace Corps Coverdell Fellow and a graduate student in the University of Arizona's Master's in Development Practice program where they are focusing on building resilient communities before and during climate disasters. As a Peace Corps volunteer, Vanessa worked at a primary school on an outer island in the Kingdom of Tonga and spent their free time cooking, cross-stitching, and hiking with friends in their village. Most recently Vanessa was the Director of Education at Children's Museum Tucson, but they have worked in education--with a primary focus on informal education--since 2008 and have had the opportunity to teach and learn in a variety of countries and settings.
Vanessa loves being outdoors and spends most of their free time hiking, running, gardening, and hanging out in the backyard with their dogs. After a fifteen year hiatus, they have recently picked up bicycling again and have been enjoying exploring their neighborhood on two wheels.
[Vanessa is standing on a hiking trail wearing black leggings, a bright blue jacket, and a baseball hat. They are smiling big.]
Leonardo Solis (he/they)
Hi, I'm Leo. I'm currently a senior at City High School. I have been living in Tucson for about 6 years now. I love to ride, race, commute, and basically do anything related to bikes. I have been a part of the El Grupo Cycling Team for 6 years now and race mountain bikes and road bikes. I enjoy listening to music, exploring google maps, taking photos, learning new things, checking out new places, and obviously riding my bike.
[A close up of Leo wearing a helmet and bicycle jersey that says “El Grupo.” They’re sweating and clearly happy but tired!]
