By Aidan Vann, Volunteer Engagement Ambassador
Alexa Palafox is a senior at CSU Channel Islands majoring in Environmental Communication with a minor in Chicano/a Studies. While she grew up visiting national parks and exploring lava tubes with her family, she didn’t initially know where those early experiences would lead her. It wasn’t until high school that her passion for environmental justice and sustainability truly took shape. Through her involvement in the Environmental Advocacy Club, Alexa developed a deep love for hiking, outdoor spaces, and environmental advocacy—ultimately guiding her toward a path in Environmental Communication.
Alexa chose to pair her major with Chicano/a Studies to better confront the environmental racism that exists in the world today. This interdisciplinary background allows her to approach environmental issues more holistically, ensuring that racism and inequity are not overlooked. By understanding why environmental injustices happen, who they impact, and what solutions are possible, Alexa is able to advocate more effectively for both people and the planet.
Current Service
Alexa believes that community involvement is a cycle of giving and receiving. She sees this firsthand through her work at CSUCI’s Basic Needs, where students often come in for essential items and leave with a deeper understanding of how impactful these resources are for student well-being. Some students even return to volunteer, helping replenish what they once needed themselves.
In addition to supporting people, Alexa emphasizes the importance of caring for the environment. As she explains, we enjoy campus trails, beaches, and outdoor spaces, and with that enjoyment comes a responsibility to care for them. Alexa currently serves as a Climate Corps intern with CSUCI’s Office of Sustainability while also working at Basic Needs. In both roles, she connects students to resources, opportunities, and meaningful ways to give back.
One example of her advocacy includes encouraging students to use reusable bags. While it may seem like a small action, it has had a significant impact—raising awareness and increasing access to sustainable alternatives. Through her Climate Corps internship, Alexa also leads the Adopt-A-Spot initiative, which invites student organizations and campus departments to “adopt” areas on campus to keep them free of litter and invasive weeds. Beyond maintenance, Alexa hopes these spaces will become sources of pride and foster a stronger connection between students and the CSUCI campus.
Challenges and Hopes
Despite finding her work deeply meaningful, Alexa acknowledges that consistent student involvement can be challenging. As a commuter campus, CSUCI can make it difficult for students to stay engaged outside of class hours. Rather than giving up, Alexa has shifted her approach by partnering with campus clubs and organizations. Her goal is to create a two-way system of giving back, where student groups can support campus initiatives while earning service hours in return.
Through these efforts, Alexa hopes students will not only contribute to campus sustainability and basic needs but also build connections with one another—strengthening the CSUCI community as a whole.
Fostering Community and Fulfillment
When Alexa first arrived at CSUCI, she wasn’t sure where she fit in or how to build connections. Instead of becoming discouraged, she leaned into curiosity—asking questions and staying open to new opportunities. By following one of her core values, giving back, she discovered what brings her fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
Over time, Alexa has become increasingly community-oriented, always looking for ways to support others by sharing resources and connections. In addition to her work with Climate Corps and Basic Needs, she founded the Run Club in 2024. What began as a way to find running partners quickly evolved into a leadership role she now holds with pride as club president. She also serves as Vice President of the Communication Club and the Line Dance Club, and she is currently working to establish a new organization, Trenza de CI. This group aims to blend sustainability with cultural identity by creating a space for Chicana and Latina-identifying women to connect with one another and with Mother Earth.
Alongside these roles, Alexa was selected as a Newman Civic Fellow in recognition of her commitment to civic engagement. The fellowship allows her to explore new ideas and build connections with fellow changemakers across the nation. While her schedule is full, Alexa finds each role rewarding and hopes to create similar experiences of purpose and belonging for her fellow Dolphins.
Advice and Hopes for Dolphins and Future Dolphins
Through her experiences with the Office of Sustainability, Basic Needs, Adopt-A-Spot, Run Club, Line Dance Club, Trenza de CI, and the Newman Civic Fellowship, Alexa hopes to continue giving back—to both the environment and the CSUCI community. Her advice to current and future Dolphins is simple: ask questions and give things a chance, even if you’re unsure.
One piece of wisdom she recently learned is to give chance to conversations for at least ten minutes. Even if the topic doesn’t initially spark interest, staying present can lead to unexpected connections, new ideas, or meaningful opportunities. For Alexa, those small moments of openness have made all the difference.