The Glendy Burke Medal in Communication
Congratulations Emma De Leon on being selected as the 2025 Glendy Burke Medal in Communication Award winner. This award is given to the student who best combines academic performance and contributions to community in the field of communication.
I am dedicated to addressing climate change and advocating for environmental justice. I graduate this May with majors in Communication and Environmental Studies, a minor in Political Science, and a GIS Certificate. I currently work part-time for LifeCity, a company in New Orleans, as a Sustainability Associate. In this role, I support sustainability assessments and consulting with businesses and manufacturers while working with local communities in New Orleans. After graduation, I will stay in New Orleans and become a full-time Sustainability Associate at LifeCity. My background in Communication has prepared me to bridge the gap between sustainability, businesses, and communities. It has equipped me with skills in research and strategic messaging, allowing me to identify and effectively communicate environmental challenges and solutions to diverse audiences. Moreover, my Communication degree helped shape my framing of environmental challenges through a social justice lens, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and community-driven solutions. I am passionate about fostering collaboration to drive sustainable change in New Orleans.
Congratulations Emma! We are happy to recognize your exceptional record of excellence both in and out of the classroom, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
- 2024 Recipient, Joseph P. Mazzarella
- 2023 Recipient, Carlotta Murrin
- 2022 Recipient, Lance Brunson
- 2021 Recipient, Juan Alejandro Olarte-Cortés