Congratulations to the 2025 Champions for Change!
The following people and programs were selected in 2025 to receive Champions for Change awards for their significant contributions in the areas of Sustainability or Health & Well-Being.
In the category of Sustainability
Abdu Bejjaj
Abdurrahman Bejjaj, founder of Ignition Packaging, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in sustainability by developing biodegradable packaging solutions to combat plastic pollution. His initiatives include extensive research on cellulose-based materials, community engagement through the ‘Ignite the Change’ campaign, and strategic industry collaborations. Abdu’s work has significantly impacted UF’s sustainability landscape, providing viable alternatives to single-use plastics and inspiring students and faculty to take action.
Ann Wilkie
Dr. Ann Wilkie, founder of the University of Florida’s Compost Cooperative and Gardens, has transformed waste reduction practices through her innovative outreach program. Starting with one composter in 2009, the program now includes multiple composters, rainwater harvesters, and a regenerative garden, engaging hundreds of visitors annually. Dr. Wilkie’s dedication to education and community collaboration has made composting accessible and fostered a strong sense of teamwork and environmental stewardship.
Lauren Berkow
Dr. Lauren Berkow, co-chair of the UF Health Shands Sustainability Committee, has spearheaded numerous sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction in the OR, the ShandsPrint initiative, and recycling programs. Her efforts have earned UF Health Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence awards annually since 2018. Dr. Berkow’s leadership in creating educational courses and organizing Earth Day celebrations has significantly raised awareness and promoted sustainability within the healthcare community.
Liel Shachr
Liel Shachr, director of Unlitter UF, led the largest environmental student organization at UF, promoting sustainability through initiatives like invasive species removal, trash clean-ups, and educational outreach. Despite balancing a heavy course load and part-time job, Liel’s dedication has kept campus clean and more engaged in sustainability practices. Her passion and ability to motivate others have made a lasting impact on the UF community.
Operation T.R.A.P.
Operation T.R.A.P. has successfully captured over 1,200 pounds of trash and nearly 4,000 large items from storm drains in two Gulf Coast communities. This collaborative project, developed by several UF units, uses interception technologies and trained volunteers to prevent litter from entering aquatic preserves. The data collected informs education and outreach programs, encouraging local governments to adopt similar practices and addressing trash in campus waterways.
Terry Harpold
Terry Harpold, founder of Imagining Climate Change (ICC), has built alliances across UF to combat climate change through interdisciplinary efforts. ICC’s Trees! initiative has involved over 3,000 human-plant contact hours and resulted in the planting of hundreds of trees in Gainesville. Since its inception, ICC has organized over sixty public-facing events, fostering productive conversations and collaborations on environmental transformation. Terry’s work made ICC the largest initiative of its kind in Florida.
In the category of Health & Wellness
Casey Rowe
Casey Rowe, a founding member of the Well-Being and Resilience Task Force at the College of Pharmacy, has significantly enhanced health and wellness on the Orlando campus through events like Salad Lunch & Learns and Fall Festivals. Her dedication to integrating well-being into all aspects of her role has fostered a supportive environment, addressing unique challenges and promoting overall wellness among students, faculty, and staff.
Jeff Phillips
Jeff Phillips, RN, created the Sharps Disposal Program at the Student Health Care Center, addressing a critical gap in public health by providing a safe disposal method for sharps. His meticulous planning and collaboration ensured the program’s success, reducing health risks and promoting safety across the UF and Gainesville communities.
Rural Health Program
The Rural HEALTH team, led by Kim Griffin and colleagues, has improved health outcomes for over 4,000 rural Floridians through healthy lifestyle education and community-engaged approaches. Their efforts in forming rural health networks and addressing food insecurity have fostered sustainable solutions and enhanced community health.
Honors Mindfulness Learning Community
The Honors Mindfulness Learning Community, developed by Kristy Spear and Gayathry Prabhakaran, along with Peer Leaders, has provided a supportive space for new UF students to explore mindfulness. Their efforts have promoted belonging and well-being through leadership opportunities, mindfulness practices, and wellness-focused events.
UF Student Therapeutic Horticulture Program
The UF Student Therapeutic Horticulture Program, led by Leah Diehl, Lauren St. Clair, and Julie Abrams-Bernier, has improved students’ mental and physical health through engagement with plants and wellness strategies. Their innovative approach has significantly decreased stress and anxiety while increasing resilience and community among over 350 UF students.
Learn more about the annual Champions for Change Awards and the winners from previous years here.
