In October 2024, the ANGLES network hosted a week-long pilot workshop in Denver, CO marking a significant step in their mission to expand leadership training for emerging sustainability professionals. Held at Colorado State University’s SPUR campus, the workshop gathered over 35 participants from 14 of ANGLES partner institutions. 

Representing the Global Change Center, GCC Director Dr. Bill Hopkins, faculty affiliate Dr. Jennifer Russell, and IGC Fellows Priscila dos Reis Cunha and Amir Gazar joined this diverse group to exchange ideas and develop new strategies for building essential leadership skills.

Attendees participate in workshop activity
Attendees participate in workshop activity

A Week of Networking, Learning, and Leadership Development

This pilot workshop was structured to allow attendees from different institutions to share leadership insights from their respective programs, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions. The Virginia Tech team returned with new strategies and techniques that will enrich leadership training within the Interfaces of Global Change (IGC) Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program. This cross-pollination of ideas across institutions is central to ANGLES' vision as an innovative network that bridges leadership training gaps in sustainability education.

ANGLES leadership team
ANGLES leadership team

Looking Ahead: Expanding ANGLES Impact in 2025

Building on the success of the Denver workshop, ANGLES plans to expand the program in 2025. The vision is to establish an annual event that unites students and faculty, fostering an inclusive environment for diverse sustainability leaders. As a member of the ANGLES steering committee, Dr. Bill Hopkins will play a key role in shaping future workshops, ensuring they meet the needs of graduate students from diverse backgrounds.

The Global Change Center (GCC) at Virginia Tech is committed to fostering strategic partnerships that enhance graduate education, expand science policy training, and connect research with community sustainability initiatives. Through our involvement with ANGLES: A Network for Graduate Leadership in Sustainability, the GCC helps equip graduate students with the leadership skills needed to address pressing environmental and societal challenges.