The Summer 2018 SDG Project Team brought together a cohort of 18 interns from Occidental College, Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, University of California Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California. The summer student cohort sought to produce a series of deliverables demonstrating how the SDG framework could inform implementation of the City’s sustainability and resiliency initiatives. The Summer 2018 SDG Cohort provided multi-sector findings, along with recommendations on revised targets for L.A., and a focused look at SDG 13 and climate change.

Chidire Ezeh Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya/Washington D.C. University: Occidental College, Diplomacy and World Affairs SDG: My favorite SDG is Goal 16: Peace and Justice and Strong Institutions. Through this project, I hope that we can provide substantial input into the future development opportunities in L.A. and pinpoint ways that the city can better support and improve the quality of life for all Angelenos.

Haiyi Zhao Hometown: Nanjing, China University: Occidental College SDG: Having an international background, I am especially passionate about what the SDG has promised. I am so excited to have the opportunity to help achieve the goals.

Stephanie Kellogg Hometown: Escondido, California University: Masters of Urban and Regional Planning program at UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs. SDG: As an urban planner, I love SDG 11, which calls for sustainable cities and communities. As our world becomes increasingly urbanized, I believe it is essential to promote a more thoughtful, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable model of urbanization. SDG 11 provides a wonderful model for thinking about the way we want our cities to operate as we move towards the future!

Tyson Williams Hometown: Danville, Virginia University: Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University SDG: Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, I believe the privatization of sustainable energy, technology, and infrastructure will provide opportunities to develop new markets and increase the quality of life for all parties.

Snigdha Suvarna Hometown: Troy, Michigan University: Occidental College SDG: 4

Nikitha Gopal Hometown: Melbourne, Australia University: UCLA Master of Public Policy SDG: 16

Madit D. Ring Yel Hometown: South Sudan University: Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University SDG: My favorite SDG is #8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Our lives nowadays depend so much on securing a decent job opportunity, which relies on an inclusive and growing economy. I want to assess and support the role of private sector businesses in achieving Goal #8, and supporting the implementation of all the 17 Goals in general.

Juliah Lee Hometown: Long Beach, California University: Occidental College

Irene Kinyanguli Hometown: Mwanza, Tanzania University: Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University SDG: 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Zachary Solomon Hometown: Portland, Oregon University: Occidental College SDG: 16

Olivia Mulerwa Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda University: Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University SDG: Goal 1 (Ending Poverty). I hope that this project will provide new ways for different groups of people in L.A. to collaborate and come up with innovative solutions to the challenges that L.A. is facing.

Gaea Morales Hometown: Manila, Philippines University: Occidental College SDG: SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities has the potential to anchor interdisciplinary global human rights dialogue in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Globally, it insists on the need to bridge the Global North-Global South socioeconomic divide. Locally, it affirms the need to eradicate all forms of discriminatory legislation and structures. It is a reminder that endeavors for a better future for all demands an approach that is equally just and fair.

Alejandra Molina Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona University: Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University SDG: The goal I believe can make the most change is 4 which is education. Having quality education sets people up for a more joyous and fruitful future.

Marissa Ayala Hometown: San Jose, California University: UCLA Luskin School Public Affairs; Master of Public Policy Favorite SDG: I am most passionate about SDGs #1 (no poverty) and #13, (climate action). I believe the two go hand in hand as low income and minority groups are most vulnerable and impacted by the negative effects of climate change.

Kristopher Eclarino Hometown: Los Angeles, California University: UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs; Master of Public Policy (2019) Favorite SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action

Danielle Ledezma Hometown: Wildomar, California University: Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University SDG: 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities because it boosts community engagement.

Mariana Zimmermann Hometown: Porto Alegre, Brazil University: UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Master of Urban and Regional Planning SDG: 11

Aliya White Project Consultant Mayor’s Office of International Affairs – City of Los Angeles Hometown: Los Angeles, CA SDG: Her favorite SDG is 4 Quality Education because she believes if people knew better they would do better.

April Yang Hometown: Bridgewater, New Jersey University: University of Southern California SDG: I hope the City can integrate the SDG framework into their homelessness initiatives because homelessness is such an intricate crisis with many causes and many consequences. A viable solution will require the kind of holistic and systematic approach that I feel the SDGs offer.