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Tony Huizar is majoring in political science and international affairs with a minor in leadership studies. He works at the Environmental Center on campus. After graduation, he plans to attend graduate school, preferably in Mexico, where he is from, and to pursue his academic and professional goals in his native country.

Q: Why are you interested in eco-social justice and environmental justice issues?

A: I am interested in these issues because underprivileged groups are the ones that disproportionatelyÌýbear environmentalÌýburdens; this is observed in racial health disparities, proximityÌýto industrial and waste facilities, less access to healthy foods, and more. Issues of eco-social justice are all around us and they are something in which we all have a stake.
Besides events like lectures and workshops, we also have projects like Foundations for Leaders Organizing in Water and Sustainability (FLOWS), in which I have also participated. It is modeled after another Environmental Center program, ECO-Visits, which are home visitsÌýperformed by two trained CU student technicians to install water and energy-saving upgrades. FLOWS does the same for low-income residents in partnership with Â鶹ӰԺ Housing Partners (BHP). Community members from low-income housing and students perform home visits at BHP properties, consultÌýwith residents about energy- Ìýand water-saving practices, install water- and energy-saving upgrades (light bulbs, weather stripping, pipe insulation, etc.) and provide resources like green job skills, BHP and community assisstance, and materials likeÌýnatural all- purpose cleaners.Ìý

Q: Why is it important to be involved in eco-social justice and environmental justice issues?

A: For me, it is important to be a leader in these issues because they affect underprivileged communities like low-income communitiesÌýor communities of color the most. For instance, back in my home of Chihuahua Mexico, my family has had to struggle with eviction from their homes to develop a natural park to serve the contiguous wealthy, gated residential complexes. We are all affected by these issues of eco-social justice and for anyone that aspires to be an ethical leader, the only option is action.

Q: How is your education at CU helping you achieve your goals?

A: Through the opportunities for undergraduateÌýresearch. My professionalÌýtrajectory involvesÌýresearch and policy work, therefore the opportunities to not only learn research methodology, but also apply it, have been excellent for my professional and academic development. I have been part of the Undergraduate Research Fellowship at the Political Science Department as well as part of the Latin American Studies Center Undergraduate Research Cluster. Additionally, I have been a research assistant through UROP and have applied for two more grants for the summer and 2017-18 academic year.

Q: What will attendees learn from Vandana Shiva’s talk, Eco-Social Justice on the Global Frontlines on March 22?

A: ÌýAs a political science student, I look forward to hearing Dr. Shiva’s talk about global development and sustainable democracy. Many might not know what eco-social justice means, but stopping by one of our events or programs might completely change your appreciation of justice movements and sustainability. Eco-social justiceÌýis a way to synthesizeÌýseveral common perspectives that enhance our vision of justice and equity.Ìý