Elena J. Gustafson
Whitman College
Elena is an Environmental Humanities major, focusing on literature related to the environment. Her sense of place is centered in both her home deserts in the Southwest and in the North Woods of Minnesota, where she works as a canoe guide. Being an outdoor leader inspired Elena to devote her life to environmental education for youth, especially those in marginalized communities. She founded and now coordinates the Youth Adventure Program at Whitman, which provides outdoor opportunities for local at-risk youth. Elena is also involved in climate change and green jobs groups when she is not out playing in the woods or on the water.