Where does your commitment to environmental sustainability come from?

My dad is a biologist and conservationist, so I spent a lot of my childhood in the outdoors. In college, my interest in sustainability grew. I decided to take some sustainability studies classes, and they were easily my favorite classes. It was through taking these classes that I began to understand my impact on our planet, and the things I can do to ensure a better future for generations to come. I am interested in environmental justice and the ways that climate change disproportionally impacts communities of color. Everything is interconnected — environmental justice is racial justice. You cannot be an environmentalist without being an anti-racist.

You have a pizza hack for maximizing dining at Boludo. Care to share?

I do, indeed. If you happen to find yourself going to Boludo, for arguably the best pizza ever, you must get the oil that usually comes with the empanadas. You won’t see it on the menu, and they won’t give you any with your pizza unless you ask for it. It’s a savory vinegar oil that goes perfectly with the pizza crust — changes the game. You can thank me later.

What kept you creatively engaged during the pandemic?

I’m finding that spending so much time on electronics has been draining to me, creatively. Spending my days working from home on my laptop and my evenings watching TV or catching up on social media has become exhausting. To keep myself creatively engaged and just generally happier, I have found that hands-on activities have helped. Recently I have gotten into knitting and sewing. Both of these activities take concentration, and allow me to get out of my head. Right now I am knitting a giant scarf. It’s far from perfect, but I find it relaxing and rejuvenating — that’s all that matters.

What is your definition of leadership?

My definition of leadership is the ability to be vulnerable and compassionate. With that said, I believe that leadership is malleable and meant to be adjusted per situation and experience. Most importantly, however, I believe that leadership should always encourage creative ideas and answers.

You recently spent several weeks wearing an orthopedic boot. What did getting it off feel like?

Oh the dreaded boot! After taking a bit of a tumble down the stairs this past summer, I found myself with a broken, displaced metatarsal. I know it’s a lame way to break your foot, but what can I say? I’m a klutz! You would think damaging such a small bone wouldn’t impact your life much, but man was I wrong. Being bound to crutches and a boot for nine weeks had taken a toll, so it was the most amazing feeling to not need them anymore. Getting back to walking was a transition — I always said, “It’s all about the baby steps — both literally and figuratively.” By the time my foot was healed and I was back to my normal activities, I was in awe of the human body and how it repairs itself. Don’t take those feet of yours for granted — and watch your step.

Who is the non-relative you admire most in the world?

My best friend. She is the definition of strength and intelligence, and I have endless respect for her. I admire her for the kindness, love, and loyalty she has shown me all throughout our friendship. She is a once in a lifetime kind of friend. And let me tell you this: she is going to do some amazing things in this world.

What kind of name is Landwehr? What percentage of time do people mispronounce it?

It is German. Hmmm, it’s probably pronounced correctly 50/50 of the time. It’s confusing because it’s spelled -WEHR when it’s pronounced -WHERE, so I get a lot of “Land-were”s. (I think I made my own tongue twister.)

What is a goal you have for 2022?

In 2022, I need to be better at adding self-care into my everyday routine. As cliché as it may sound, it can be hard to make conscious, self-care time. I’m looking forward to reading lots of books, doing yoga, and cooking more this year.