Udall Undergraduate Scholarship Awarded to NTC Junior
The Udall Foundation has recently awarded an Undergraduate Scholarship, which identifies future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy and healthcare fields, to Newcomb-Tulane College junior Lila Duarte. Duarte, a Posse Scholar who is pursuing majors in political economy and environmental studies with minors in Spanish and Native American and Indigenous studies, will be leveraging the award to research water access in the US and the policy implications of Indigenous water access in Mexico. Duarte is the fourth-ever Tulane student to receive this highly coveted award.
“Growing up in Los Angeles with regular wildfires and droughts, climate change has been present throughout my whole life. From a young age, I knew I wanted to do something about it,” said Duarte. “I began university with the intention of going into environmental law, which is still a possibility, but through various internships and volunteering experiences, I’ve learned I enjoy working with and learning from communities.”
Duarte credits Tulane with exposing her to an abundance of relevant research options. “There are so many opportunities to work in environmental fields at Tulane, and whenever one came my way, I said yes,” said Duarte. “For example, during my freshman year, I interned with Water Justice New Orleans, working to integrate community voices into stormwater drainage policy. This inspired me to continue working in fields involving water access and community engagement.”
In addition to her work with Water Justice New Orleans, Duarte held an internship with the LSU Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio and participated in related clubs and activities on Tulane’s campus. It was around this time that Duarte grew interested in the possibility of an Udall Undergraduate Scholarship. “I strongly identify with the Udall Foundation's core values of integrity, civility, consensus and public service,” said Duarte. “So, with the undergraduate scholarship’s environmental focus and the encouragement of my friends and mentors, I decided to apply.”
After graduating from college, Duarte plans to continue her work in the environmental field. “I intend to pursue a career in environmental policy, working to incorporate community knowledge to inform sustainable and culturally appropriate climate solutions,” said Duarte. "I realized there’s a gap between the people experiencing environmental problems and decision-makers. By pursuing environmental policy, I believe I can help bridge this gap.”