21 Under 21 Series: Natalie Rose-Ying Gauger

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Major: Environmental Studies; Minor: Urban Studies and Planning

Co-President for Carolina for Amani, as well as a Cabinet Member for Campus Y, Natalie takes great pride in being involved in local action. As a woman of color at a predominately white institution, Natalie is careful and deliberate with the projects she undertakes, as well as their impact on the communities she serves. Acting as the current Vice President of the Service, Leadership and Development Chair of the UNC-Chapel Hill chapter of alpha Kappa Delta Phi, she is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for underrepresented groups.

“My first day of classes as a first-year I attended a protest of Silent Sam. This experience foreshadowed my involvement in the social justice and activist community. My proudest moments are a culmination of my experiences in which I was able to motivate and empower other people. Listening to other people and exchanging experiences can be therapeutic and freeing. Being in communities where I am enabled to collaborate with other campus leaders and people of color is my proudest moment. My work, and the work of others, are both creating a more inclusive campus while also being unapologetic.”

After graduation, Natalie intends to work at the intersection of sustainability and urban life through environmentally-conscious initiatives that focus on community empowerment and development. Service is a core tenet of hers, so she plans to work in the non-profit sector.