State: California
Years on RSYC: 2026
Kolleen is a values driven changemaker, demonstrating leadership through service, music, art, and education.
As the founder of her high school’s Roots & Shoots group, Kolleen works collaboratively to reduce classroom and office waste in her community.
With the Green Cartridge Project, Kolleen spreads awareness about proper technology waste disposal and has installed printer cartridge disposal stations at two schools and one library in her community. She works with other students, school staff, and community organizers to facilitate a monthly collection and proper disposal. Next up, Kolleen and her group are designating and installing discard bins for a Green Marker Project in response to rising dry-erase marker usage and improper disposal.
Through Flowers for the Future International, Kolleen teaches a course on ethics and philosophy principles to high school girls in Afghanistan, which she describes as particularly meaningful. Kolleen also plays the cello in her local youth symphony. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, drawing, painting, and playing with her dog Bobo.
Kolleen favors this quote: “‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ ‘Kind,’ said the boy.” —The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
