Kiani Conley-Wilson

Phalanx Honor Society Member

Degree(s)
B.S. in Sustainability Studies, 2017

About Me
I have been active in various campus communities as an undergraduate student, including Greek Life, Multicultural Communities, and the Environmental Community. After getting acclimated to RPI, I started to become a more active member of RPI my sophomore year. In the Fall of 2014, I had switched majors and decided to look into campus organizations that fit my views. I became active in Habitat for Humanity, Society of Environmental Professionals (SEP), and the Student Sustainability Task Force (SSTF). I shortly after joining SSTF, I volunteered to take on the role of Vice Chair to later (that semester) transition into the position of Chair. During my time as Chair we have seen an increase of members, retention, and activities we have participated in and hosted. In the spring of 2015 we introduced the idea of Eco-Mixers and Volunteering (at local urban gardening) events for all members of Green Organizations and Clubs as well of the general population of RPI.
The following semester I became a sister for Sigma Delta, a small local multicultural sorority. In the Fall of 2015 I served as the Recruitment Chair, organizing events for potential new members that featured community benefits, like donation of supplies. I also volunteered much of my time with Nuestra Belleza, an annual multicultural pageant hosted by Sigma Delta, where all the proceeds went to a MedAir, our philanthropy of our choice for this event. This event raised money for refugees displaced in Syria as well as spreading understanding of cultures on campus. In the spring of 2016 I took on the roles of Social Chair and Secretary, a member of the Executive Board. As Social Chair I have organized events with other Greek Organizations.

In the spring of 2015 I started to voice my concerns about relationships among students, particularly ones revolving around racial, socio-economic, and sexual identities. Amy Corren, the Assistant Director of the Union, was very responsive in my concerned and suggested we take action via workshops. I volunteered to be a facilitator for the Let’s Talk Series organized by both students and Amy. These workshops are designed to increase communication and understanding among students of different backgrounds. I have enjoyed hosting these workshops and plan to continue to facilitate and plan them as I believe it will help the campus climate become more welcoming. In addition to my roles previously stated, I am a Lead Organizer of Earth Week, a celebration of the Earth that will include a community day, educational activities, and lots of interactive ways to connect with the environment. I am working with Professor Kim Fortun, RPI Faculty, environmental clubs, and other organizations off and on campus to make this event a success.
All of the activities and organizations I have become active in have made me a better rounded person. I plan on continuing this trend of philanthropy, community service and leadership not only at my remaining time at RPI but for the rest of my life. I hope to apply the lessons they have taught me to make a positive change in the world.