Representatives from around the world will descend upon Antalya, Turkey, next month to discuss one of the most complex and important issues facing our world—climate change.

Suhitha Sreedhar, a senior in the School of Business, will get a front-row seat to those conversations. She is one of the UConn delegates who will attend the United Nation’s Conference of Parties (COP), an annual symposium held this year from Nov. 9 to 20.

Sreedhar, a management major with a minor in social responsibility and impact in business, is excited for the trip, seeing this as a culmination of her work at UConn and a boost to her future aspirations.

“My dream is to run a company that creates responsible supply chains for fashion companies all over the world,’’ Sreedhar said. “I grew up in a culture that didn’t have a focus on recycling or sustainability, so it has become my mission.”

During Monsoon Season, It Barely Rained

Growing up in Andhra Pradesh in southern India, gave her a first-hand look at how failing to acknowledge climate change can have devastating effects.

“Even in India, most people try to pretend like climate change isn’t real, and don’t invest in even the simplest of things, like recycling,” Sreedhar said. “This summer I went back for monsoon season, and it barely even rained. As a large producer of crops, it was devastating for the region.”

Sreedhar’s parents were a big influence on her worldview. Her mother and father both run organizations that provide needed social services to her community. Their example has led Sreedhar to find ways to give back.

One of her proudest accomplishments has been launching and running UConn’s Thrift Den with seven other students. Originally known as the Swap Shop, Sreedhar and her co-founders continued the thrift-store tradition in the basement of the Family Studies building, but with a twist.

“The only rule is you take one item per week. When you’re obligated to take [only] one item, you’re forced to think if it’s something you really, really want,” Sreedhar said. And that contemplation also leads to less overconsumption and a more sustainable lifestyle.

Student Has Impressed Many With Intelligence, Enthusiasm

All this work has caught the attention of many people across UConn, including Arminda Kamphausen, Director for Global & Sustainability Initiatives and the GE Global Learning Center in the School of Business. Kamphausen got to know Sreedhar well when she applied for a London study-abroad scholarship.

Looking ahead, Kamphausen sees a bright path for Sreedhar, and is especially impressed by her strong principles and her involvement across UConn.

“Suhitha will be successful at whatever she puts her mind to. I personally know she has impressed faculty, academic advisors, staff, and fellow students with her intelligence, enthusiasm, kindness and commitment to giving 100 percent,’’ she said. Her drive is strong, whether completing an internship in London, running programs for the Office of Sustainability, or mentoring fellow students through the Undergraduate programs advising office, she said.

“As an international student she has made engaging in experiential learning at UConn a huge priority and continues to reap the benefits of these real-world experiences,” Kamphausen said.
And even though Sreedhar is graduating next year, she’s taking in the moments that will create lifelong memories and reflecting on her time at UConn.

“I think at this moment in time, to be able to go to COP and to say I have done this, it is all because of UConn,’’ she said. “I’ve had a lot of amazing professors and mentors. Every time I felt lost here, even if they couldn’t help me, they always pointed me to a person who could.”

Eli Freund is a freelance writer for the School of Business.