Meet our 2024 Winter Interns

Unite to Light has the great privilege of working with bright minds from UC Santa Barbara on a regular basis, bringing a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives to our organization. This quarter specifically, we have four dynamic and dedicated student interns to assist us in our impactful projects. We are thrilled to introduce Lindsay, Anthea, Quinn and Talia, a talented group of women who have joined our mission to illuminate lives worldwide. Together, we look forward to empowering communities and fostering sustainable solutions to energy poverty. Join us in extending a warm welcome to our winter interns, as we embark on this journey of light and empowerment.

​Hey, I'm Anthea Meng! I’m currently a Biological Sciences B.S. student at UCSB with a minor in Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice (PISJ). I discovered this internship through the PISJ minor program, drawn to it due to my interest in underserved medicine. Attracted to UTL's mission of empowering underserved communities, I'm particularly excited about contributing to the impact of UTL, especially in empowering young girls with light for education. I'll be focusing on the Gift of Light partnership program, collaborating on webinars with street medicine, and fundraising for the grant program. Beyond my academic pursuits, my ultimate passion lies in working as a pediatrician and underserved medicine after medical school. In my free time, I find joy in traveling, going to the beach, and cooking. I studied abroad in the Netherlands last quarter where I had a transformative experience and became more independent and got to explore different parts of the world. I cherish the diversity among countries and look forward to bringing that perspective to my work at UTL. I am excited to be part of the team and contribute to making a meaningful impact!

Hi, I'm Lindsay Edelman! I’m a second-year Masters of Environmental Management and Science student at UCSB’s Bren School passionate about creating a sustainable future. I was immersed in this transformative internship when I was introduced to Megan through a donor for my master's eco-entrepreneurship project, focusing on high-impact Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). As a Black Carbon Researcher and Carbon Offset Intern at UTL, I find joy in the collaborative environment and the continuous learning opportunities. My tasks involve assisting in the carbon credit accreditation process, researching grants for project funding, and exploring the integration of black carbon into climate change goals. Beyond my academic pursuits, I thrive on skiing, gardening, cooking, hiking, and swimming. As a New Year's baby, I bring a fresh perspective to my work, and my ultimate career goal is to contribute to environmental planning, working towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

​Hi, I’m Quinn Dupies! I’m a UCSB student originally from Wisconsin, but I’ve made California my new home to pursue a BA in Communication with minors in Professional Writing, Poverty Inequality & Social Justice, and Technology Management. In the research-heavy academic environment of UCSB, my minors allow me to pursue academic niches that resonate most with my passion and purpose. I learned about Unite to Light through the Minor in Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice at UCSB. I was quickly interested in working and learning within this organization after learning about its mission, vision, and values. This winter, I’ll be composing Unite to Light’s DEI report and implementation as well as working with our PR consultant to locate potential areas of growth from a comms perspective. I’m passionate about sustainability and social justice, qualities that I seek to employ in both my personal and professional life. Originally from Wisconsin, I've embraced all that California has to offer, from skiing in the mountains, running on the beach, practicing yoga in the sun, and surrounding myself with creative people. This past semester I spent studying in Madrid, Spain, and practicing my Spanish. I aspire to build my career in the fields of PR, Communications, and Marketing, particularly within a like-minded company that prioritizes values such as DEI, sustainability, and social justice.

​Hey, I'm Talia! I’m a Philosophy major from Mill Valley, CA, and currently a senior at UCSB. I stumbled upon the Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice minor while exploring options within the history department. Motivated by my preliminary history course, I eagerly enrolled in the minor to deepen my understanding of social justice. The coursework broadened my awareness of the electricity crisis, leading me to collaborate with Unite to Light. I was particularly drawn to their Gift of Light Partner Program and admired the organization's multifaceted approach with a wide geographical reach, fostering collaboration with other impactful organizations. In my internship with UTL, I'll be contributing to the Gift of Light Partnership Program and delving into Corporate Social Responsibility research. What captivates me most about Unite to Light is their incredible team – learning from them is not only inspiring but also an invaluable experience. On a personal note, I'm passionate about environmental law and plan to attend law school in the next couple of years. Outside of academics, you'll find me enjoying hiking, yoga, playing the piano, skiing, roller skating, and flying kites. A fun fact about me is that I speak Russian!  I look forward to a fulfilling and impactful journey with Unite to Light!