🌟 Meet AASHE Fellow Kim Hankins 🌟
As Manager of Sustainability at McHenry County College, Kim Hankins embraces the complexity of sustainability in higher education. From curriculum and operations to student engagement and community partnerships, she sees endless opportunities to spark change. While the abundance of possibilities can feel overwhelming at times, Kim is learning to prioritize strategically, lean into collaboration, and embrace sustainability as a dynamic, evolving process.
For Kim, the motivation has always been clear: the students. Whether she’s helping a student find a free recycled binder, speaking to a class about greenwashing, or supporting a new sustainability project, she’s inspired by the energy and curiosity each new generation brings. “Their enthusiasm keeps me inspired,” she reflects, “and reminds me that progress often starts with awareness and conversation.”
Among her proudest accomplishments is earning her doctorate in sustainability in her 50s, an achievement that was as humbling as it was rewarding. This milestone not only deepened her expertise but also reinforced her belief in the power of persistence, lifelong learning, and resilience.
Kim also knows that sustainability work can sometimes feel lonely. Her advice? Find your people. Whether through professional networks, peer support, or grassroots connections, she believes building strong relationships is essential to sustaining momentum and amplifying the message that sustainability is not a “nice to have,” but a “need to have.” Now more than ever, she emphasizes the importance of lifting each other up and reminding our campuses that sustainability is essential—not optional.
👏 Thank you to all of our 2025 AASHE Fellows for sharing your journeys, challenges, and wisdom. Together, you’ve shown what’s possible when we lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration.
💡 Applications are still open for the 2026 Fellows and other categories of the AASHE Sustainability Awards! You could be part of next year’s Fellows cohort—submit your application today: https://lnkd.in/gZjV-AYx
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