Meet the three inspirational Americans who are recipients of our first round of Regenerative Future funding. From sustainable agriculture to technology to finance, these people are tackling the biggest issues facing climate action—and we couldn’t be prouder or more excited to support them.
Interested in applying for the next round of funding to create a brighter, more sustainable world? Learn more about Regenerative Futures.
“The Regenerative Futures program gave me the opportunity to be a person of action toward climate and a more sustainable world. Without them, I wouldn’t be going to Climate Farm School, and I’m so incredibly grateful. For everyone on this planet right now, this is the most pivotal decade of our lives and the generations that come after us. It only takes 3.5% of the population to catalyze change—choose to be part of the solution!”
Melody Plan is a Master Composter and Eco Docent with the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation. She’s passionate about educating others how to compost and mitigate food waste and hosts virtual workshops and 1:1 composting consulting sessions. Melody will use the funds from the Regenerative Futures scholarship to attend Terra.do’s Climate Farm School, a program dedicated to climate impacts of food systems and their solutions, with onsite training on a regenerative farm focused on soil carbon and ecological restoration. She plans to use her experience with Climate Farm school in combination with her years of Master Composter knowledge to enhance the local community and regenerative practices where she lives, on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.
“I am extremely grateful for the support and recognition of the Regenerative Futures Program.This scholarship is an incredible way to help advance the careers of young professionals like myself who aspire to help build a greener, more equitable future.”—River Robbins
River is a third-year student at the University of Virginia majoring in Systems Engineering with a concentration in Technology and the Environment. As an aspiring clean energy professional, River has pursued his passion for designing and implementing innovative solutions to accelerate the energy transition through his work as an intern with Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project last summer and in his current role as the Co-Chair of the UVA Office for Sustainability’s Energy Working Group. In his free time, River is an avid rock-climber and serves as President of the Climbing Club at UVA.
“I am honored to be one of the three inaugural recipients of the Regenerative Futures program. I am grateful for this opportunity to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the issues facing our planet. I am excited to take what I learn and apply it to my advocacy efforts for a sustainable and just future for all.”—Arielle Terry
Arielle’s climate journey began with personal lifestyle changes, but she soon expanded her efforts to the workplace. As an advocate for sustainability, she successfully lobbied for a climate-friendly 401k option and helped create a climate employee resource group. She also took action with her own finances, divesting from fossil fuels and seeking out sustainable investment options. Arielle is committed to creating a more sustainable future for all, both in her personal life and in her professional pursuits.
Applications for funding for round two will start on July 15, 2023, and remain open until September 15, 2023. Learn more about Regenerative Futures and how to apply here.
Hollay Ghadery Hollay Ghadery is a writer and editor who is passionate about financial literacy as a means to personal fulfillment. Hollay has over 18 years of experience creating content about a range of topics related to personal finance, including insurance, investing, banking, and credit cards. When Hollay isn't writing, she's spending time with her four children, two dogs, and three goats.
