La. Wildlife Federation names Conservation Leadership students

Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF; has selected 22 undergraduate students from 10 universities in Louisiana for its fourth cohort Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC;. The CLC is a leadership development program that provides expert training for future conservation leaders. Students from colleges and universities across the state were eligible to apply.
Training will be provided by natural resource professionals in the public, non-profit and private sectors. Students will be presented with real-world issues and experience with a focus on this year’s theme of habitat conservation. Through the integration of presentations, case studies, and collaborative activities, students will increase their knowledge of conservation policy and build skills in leadership and advocacy.
The first of four sessions will be held Jan. 28-29. Due to safety concerns related to COVID-19, this year’s cohort will meet online with the final meeting in April planned in-person at Chicot State Park. Training will take place during one weekend each month in January, February, March, and April 2022.
This year’s Conservation Leadership Corps students are:
• James Anderson: sophomore, LSU, Coastal Environmental Science;
• Afia Boaitey: freshman, Xavier, Neuroscience;
Faith Boutte: junior, Nicholls, Biology;
Mario Campo: junior, Southeastern, Biology-Wetlands Ecology;
Carly Carpenter: sophomore, LSU, Environmental Management Systems-Policy Analysis;
Chelsea Coleman: senior, McNeese, Animal Science;
Eva Counts: sophomore, LSU, Biological & Agricultural Engineering;
Saidee Fonseca: freshman, LSU, Natural Resource Ecology & Management;
Mia Foster: sophomore, LSU, Biology;
Lily Gleneck: senior, LSU, Coastal Environmental Science;
Aaliyah Hameed: junior, LSU, Marine Biology;
Madelyn Helm: sophomore, LSU, Renewable Natural Resources;
Alexandra Himel: sophomore, Nicholls, Marine Biology;
Sahil Inaganti: junior, Tulane, Environmental Studies, Public Health, & Political Economy;
Nautica Jones: senior, UL-Monroe, Biology;
Kayla Keats: freshman, Tulane, International Relations& Environmental Studies;
Hannah Laville: senior, LSU, Natural Resource Ecology & Management;
Emmerson Lyons: freshman, LSU-Eunice, Biological Sciences;
Katarina Perlsweig: senior, Loyola, Environmental Science;
Amanda Ross: junior, LSU, Chemical Engineering;
Sarah Sargent: senior, Northwestern, Biology; and
Thomas Showers: senior, UL-Monroe, Biology
Stacy Ortego, LWF outreach coordinator, said, “The number of applicants grows each year and LWF is thrilled to see the continued interest in the program. We appreciate the university faculty and staff who share this opportunity with their students and previous CLC students who recommend it to other students.”
Rebecca Triche, LWF executive director, said, “We could not offer this program without the help of our dedicated volunteer leaders and guest speakers who share their knowledge and experience with the students. We appreciate the Stuller Family Foundation for their continued support in helping fund the program this year.”
Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide nonprofit organization representing a broad constituency of conservationists including hunters, anglers, campers, birders, boaters, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.