A University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point December 2024 graduate is looking to her future to find where she can make the biggest impact in helping the planet.
Kalli Mikkonen, Iron River, Wis., knew from a young age that she had a career in sustainability ahead of her.
“From the time I was 12 years old, being from northern Wisconsin and deeply immersed in nature made me really appreciate it,” said Mikkonen. “Then learning that there is a possibility that we could lose places like where I grew up due to climate change made me passionate about making sure we protect it as best as we can.”
When she toured UW-Stevens Point, Mikkonen saw all of the sustainability initiatives the campus already had in place. She elected to go down the path of the political science program due to the current affairs happening around the globe as she began college.
“I really wanted to learn more about what I could do to help the issues going on in the world and how to be part of the change,” Mikkonen said.
Mikkonen paired her degree with minors in sustainability and women’s and gender studies. Initially, she did not have the women’s and gender studies minor on her radar. Thanks to a recommendation by a professor, she took an introductory course on the subject and fell in love with it because she enjoyed learning about new topics and the philosophy behind them.
During her time on campus, she participated in 350 Stevens Point, a climate change action group where she served as both vice president and social media manager, helping to host climate rallies and challenge campus initiatives. Mikkonen furthered her knowledge of the political system through involvement in Pointers Vote Coalition, a nonpartisan group that aims to support campus voter engagement. From teaching students the ins and outs of the voting process, the experience increased her care and awareness for non-partisan spaces to enable students to educate themselves.
Professor Jennifer Collins, political science, praised Mikkonen in her work through multiple student organizations, saying, “Kalli is committed to giving back and working towards positive social change. For me, she embodies what it means to be an engaged and global citizen. She gives me hope for the future!”
Mikkonen was one to stay busy with memberships in clubs, such as Phi Sigma Alpha, a political science honors program, and Model UN. She even took it upon herself to engage in volunteer work during her spring breaks through Habitat for Humanity. Mikkonen traveled to Colorado and Florida to help build homes in communities there.
“It was a truly amazing experience getting to meet the families and going somewhere to make a difference,” said Mikkonen.
Mikkonen’s decision to study abroad came from her desire to “see the world I’m trying to save.”
Mikkonen recently traveled to London as part of UWSP’s Study Abroad program this last semester. Her internship through Ashden, a climate change charity focused on sustainable energy and development, saw her on the communications team. Her work involved researching nature-based solutions in the United Kingdom, transcribing webinars and creating content such as video briefs and blogs.
“Ashden really cared that I was enjoying my time and doing something that was going to benefit me,” said Mikkonen. “It’s been a great way to help me transition into the workforce.”
As her first time out of the country, she also benefited from learning about many different cultures. One of her more memorable moments on the trip was attending a reception at the famous Palace of Westminster and House of Commons where the Parliament of the United Kingdom meets.
“Overall, I appreciated the independence and world knowledge I gained from my time abroad, learning that I am capable of doing anything I put my heart to,” she said.
She leaves as a graduate of UWSP with the message, “Get involved.”
Mikkonen does not expect everyone to be heavily involved as she was but notes that involvement is the best way to meet people, form friendships and connections and make the college experience that much more enjoyable.
From her time spent with different clubs and friends to the energy of purpose driven peers at Student Government Association meetings, she said of her experience, “The most important part of my time is not one moment or event but the people who have made every moment memorable.”
Having arrived home just before her winter commencement, Mikkonen plans on taking a moment to rest and catch up with her family after a packed final semester. She hopes to find work in environmental policy, as she feels this is where she can make the most impact towards a more sustainable world.
“The world is my oyster. Studying abroad showed me more than anything that I have the ability to find community wherever I go. Now, the goal is figuring out where I can make the biggest impact.”
