Amara Ifeji, from Bangor, Maine, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with minors in Environmental Studies and Philosophy, from Northeastern University. Amara is currently the Director of Policy for the Maine Environmental Education Association, where she works to build environmental awareness, accountability, and action that center on equity and advancing systemic change. She is a co-chair of the Climate Education Advocacy Working Group for the Nature Based Education Consortium, a multi-sector network focused on building support for outdoor learning opportunities for all Maine youth. In 2021, Amara was named a National Geographic Young Explorer in recognition of her efforts in environmental education and promotion of equitable access to the outdoors. This year, she was appointed by Maine Governor Janet Mills to the Maine Climate Council, serving as Youth Representative and a member of the council’s equity subcommittee.

As a Marshall Scholar, Amara will pursue an MSc at the University in Oxford, in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance and an MSc in African Studies, also at the University of Oxford.