Chela Gloria Quiñones

What is your major? Landscape and urban studies

Expected graduation: December 2025

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I believe my appreciation and fascination for the environment as well as community began very early on in life. Growing up in southeastern Wisconsin, some of my fondest memories growing up were of going on walks at nature hill, taking field trips to Lapham Peak and Horicon Marsh, swimming in Lac la Belle, playing outdoors, going to the farmers market and so much more. My love and respect for the natural world around me was fostered early on in life without me even knowing because it was just a way of life in my family and in the community.

I did not know I wanted to have an environmentally related career at first because of this, but unfortunately as I got older I began to see the effects of climate change here in Wisconsin. This led me to pursue the environmental studies major here at UW–Madison before I even knew what else I wanted to major in. In my classes I’ve learned how creating livable, just, and environmentally conscious communities goes hand in hand with conserving healthy environments and ecosystems. These two approaches are key to combating the climate crisis and achieving a brighter future.