Welcome our newest summer externs and volunteers

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Meet our newest summer externs and volunteers—Imiloa, Liz, Madison, and Rosalie—we are so grateful to have their bright minds on our team this summer. In addition to Lisa and Nicole, we’ve got a strong wahine squad this summer! You will probably see their faces at our upcoming events, please extend your warmest aloha.

ʻImiloa Borland (she/her)

‘Imiloa Borland is from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. She is a rising 4th year student at The New School in New York City, majoring in global studies and minoring in creative writing. While at The New School, ‘Imiloa has directed the focus of her studies on Hawai‘i’s position as a global site where militarism, tourism, the environment, and Indigenous sovereignty intersect and interact. After presenting at a panel about the role militourism plays in disguising environmental catastrophe in Hawai‘i, ‘Imiloa is excited to be working with the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i this summer as an intern.

Liz Wiggans (she/her)

Elizabeth Wiggans holds a B.S. in Public Health and Biology from Santa Clara University. Over six years of teaching middle school science, Elizabeth became acutely aware of, and enthusiastic about, the student’s urgency and propensity to hold agencies accountable for stewardship of their environment. In this stewardship, Elizabeth looks forward to learning from the Sierra Club of Hawai῾i’s leadership in water rights, land protection, and environmental justice.

Elizabeth is in her second year at the University of Oregon School of Law where she volunteers with the Springfield Eugene Tenant Association and Oregon Law Student Public Interest Fund. Surfing, gardening, and spending time with her family are among her favorite pastimes.

Madison Owens (she/her)

Born and raised in Southern California, Madison Owens has spent her last four years on Oʻahu obtaining her Bachelors of Science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Madison focused her interdisciplinary studies on political science and ethics, while also getting a minor in sociology. Empowered by the people of the island, Madison’s passion for social and environmental advocacy deepened. In Madison’s final year at University of Hawaiʻi, Madison helped establish the Environmental Justice Club, focusing on climate and water justice advocacy. Madison is eager to work with the Sierra Club, as she believes it is her kuleana to advocate for the betterment of the Native Hawaiian community and the protection of the natural and human environment of Hawai’i.

Rosalie Luo (she/her)

Born in Honolulu and raised in Miami, Rosalie's passion for organizing around environmental issues was sparked as a teen and continues to fuel her both professionally and personally. She's now a third-year PhD Candidate in Sustainability and Organizations at Western University in Canada and previously studied Earth Science and Environmental Studies at the University of Michigan. She'll be volunteering with the Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Chapter this summer as part of her dissertation studies, which focuses on environmental justice organizations. She most recently conducted an year-long study of a regenerative community farm in the Midwest and immersed herself within the organization (and the animals/plants) to learn what collective sustainable agriculture looks like in practice. She's excited to return to Hawaiʻi to learn from the staff and members of the Sierra Club and meet everyone in-person.