Sustainability Spotlight: Afomia Hunde, MArch II ’25

Afomia Hunde is graduating from Harvard School of Design in May 2025 with her Master of Architecture II (MArch II) focusing on sustainability and the built environment. During her time at Harvard, Afomia became involved in campus sustainability initiatives and programs, including the Office for Sustainability’s Council for Student Sustainability Leaders (CSSL). Learn more about Afomia’s experience at Harvard.

How are you involved in working with the Office for Sustainability?

“I’m involved with the Office for Sustainability through CSSL. I started at the beginning of last academic year and have been involved ever since. It has been a great opportunity to contribute to campus-wide sustainability efforts while also aligning with my personal and professional interests in equitable and climate-resilient design.”

What is your best memory working in sustainability at Harvard?

“One of my best memories was collaborating with students from different schools on a project that looked at reducing material waste in campus spaces. It was really inspiring to see how everyone brought unique perspectives, and it reminded me how interdisciplinary and community-driven sustainability work can be. It made the work feel both impactful and personal.”

What other sustainability-related experiences did you have on campus or beyond during your time at Harvard?

“In addition to CSSL, I have been deeply involved with sustainability on campus through my role as a Program Coordinator for the Climate Leaders Program at Harvard. Working closely with graduate students across disciplines, I’ve helped organize workshops, speaker events, and peer learning opportunities focused on climate leadership and systems thinking. It has been a powerful experience to support a community of change-makers who are passionate about driving sustainability across sectors—from design and policy to public health and beyond.”

What were the most inspiring sustainability topics you learned about at Harvard?

“One of the most inspiring sustainability topics I explored at Harvard was the intersection of climate justice and the built environment—especially how design can address systemic inequities while responding to climate change. I was also really drawn to conversations around adaptive reuse, circular material systems, and community-led resilience. These topics challenged me to think more critically and creatively about how sustainability can be embedded in both policy and practice.”

What are your plans moving forward?

“After graduation, I plan to continue working at the intersection of architecture, climate resilience, and equitable design—whether that is through a design practice, research institution, or public sector work. I am especially interested in how emerging technologies and community engagement can shape more adaptable and inclusive housing systems in underserved regions. Long-term, I hope to contribute to scalable solutions that make sustainable living more accessible for all.”

What advice would you give to incoming students related to sustainability and climate (e.g., classes to take, groups to join, etc.)?

“My advice to incoming students is to lean into the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability at Harvard—some of the most powerful insights come from engaging with people outside your field. Get involved with groups like the Office for Sustainability, CSSL, or the Climate Leaders Program—they are great spaces to meet others who care deeply about climate action. Also, take classes that challenge your assumptions, whether that is on climate justice, systems thinking, or material ecology. And do not be afraid to bring your own background and voice into the conversation—climate work needs diverse perspectives to truly be effective.”