Holly Wolf - Resource Conservation Manager

For Holly Wolfe, resource conservation manager for the David Douglas School District in Portland, Oregon, reducing our footprint on the world is a passion. But she knows that not everyone feels the same way.

"Environmental education is very political," says Holly. "But when you speak in money terms, people can all agree. Financial savings is the way to sell it." For example, a five percent savings in the district's electric bill amounts to $37,000. That kind of money means the possibility of another full-time teaching position in the schools. So when it comes to getting everyone to turn off their lights at the end of the day or shut down their computers, it just makes sense.

But there's more to Holly's job than just turning the lights off. She also ensures that resources aren't going to waste in other ways. By allocating state grant money to infrastructure improvements like new windows or higher efficiency heating and cooling systems, she's helping the buildings become more energy efficient. She also works with classes to compost food waste and develop good recycling habits.

To help with these projects, Holly has organized "Green Teams" in the schools. Made up of teachers, staff, and students, the teams help to organize initiatives and evaluate how their projects are going. The idea is to get everyone involved.

Holly was originally drawn to the environmental programs at Northland because of an interest in alternative energy. But she graduated in 2005 with a double major in psychology and business. Why the change in direction?

"You can know the technical side of the things," she says, "but really you need to change people's behavior.

Understanding why people don't change and how to get them to change, that's the crucial part."

Faculty at Northland gave Holly a broad understanding of human behavior and business. That combination made her uniquely qualified for her current position.

Holly started her work with the district three years ago as an AmeriCorp member. But the district soon saw the value of her work and made the position permanent.

As the district grows, Holly hopes to put more and more policies into place that will not only save the schools money but will also educate the children.

"If you want to make change," says Holly, "starting with the kids is the solution."

Contributing to the Community

Northland students serve the local community by providing critical work that helps to build and sustain the Chequamegon Bay region. You will gain significant skills and relevant experiences to better prepare you for your future career aspirations. Thirty-four percent of Northland alumni have held leadership positions in foundations or non-profit community organizations within the first few years after graduation. Northland students believe it is important to play an active role in their communities, including their on-campus community.