Today we’d like to introduce you to Shreya Halbe.
Hi Shreya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started by applying for the Keep Texas Beautiful Youth Ambassador program. Before that, I was really involved in environmental change because of my upbringing in India but did not know how to put it in action. Since my acceptance into the position, I have been able to connect with professionals in sustainability. One of the people that has helped me the most is Sarah Luxton from the City of Plano; she has helped me learn about how youth involvement works. I have been able to be involved in the planning of the Plano Annual Youth Summit for Sustainability, where we communicate with youth members of the city to learn and have a conversation about sustainability as well as meet professionals. I also had the opportunity to present my experience to 100s of attendees at the Keep Texas Beautiful 2023 state-wide Conference. Launching my experience into the business and advocacy side of sustainability has helped my understanding of the future and really shaped my ideas about working in environmental advocacy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At first, it’s a little confusing as to where to start. As a teen, you see different things in your community that should change or things that you care about, but it’s hard to do anything. Thanks to the ambassador program, I was able to connect with peers with similar passions and at the same time, learn how to go about environmental programs. Holding my first cleanup or youth program was a step out of my comfort zone. However, because I took this step, I was able to slowly increase the involvement of my peers in programs that I organized or helped with. So, at first, it was scary, but after I got comfortable, it was actually an enjoyable and fun experience- through which I learned so much. Another challenge is promoting programs. It’s hard to hear ‘nos’ from people; however, I learned to expand my connections and get more people to attend cleanups. But overall, it’s been pretty smooth!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am in high school, and I am interested in pursuing environmental and sustainability-related fields in college. I have a passion for nature, working with people, and science. I am proud of the opportunities I have been able to find in Plano, especially after moving from India in high school. At first, it was hard reaching out to people, but because of the amazing people I have met through different organizations, it was worth it!
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risks should be taken when the positives outweigh the negatives, especially when working in a team of the group of people in my youth program. I have only had to take risks when networking with other people; this risk is mostly concerned with being more confident and allowing to speak about my opinions, knowing that others might be judging. I haven’t had to take many risks, but I have seen other sustainable companies and organizations take risks in whichever business conferences I’ve been to through KeepTexas Beautiful. This is really shaped my views on risk-taking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ktb.org/our-work/ambassador/
- Instagram: @shreyaahalbe and @keeptxbeautiful
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-halbe?trk=contact-info
Image Credits
Sarah Luxton
