CNU Alum Named Innovator in Social Responsibility
Emily L. Lucier
emily.lucier@cnu.edu
(757) 594-8428


(NEWPORT NEWS, Va.) - Katherine (Kayti) Wingfield, a May 2007 graduate of Christopher Newport University , has been named the 2007 Young Innovator in Social Responsibility for Sustainable Living by American for Informed Democracy. A reception will be held at Pace University in New York City on September 4. The recognition celebrates leaders who take new and entrepreneurial approaches toward social change and thereby make the world a better place.

Seth Green, the President of Americans for Informed Democracy, said “We deeply admire Kayti's inspired leadership.” Kayti is being recognized for a yearlong advocacy campaign at Christopher Newport University during the 2006-2007 academic year to persuade the mayor of Newport News to reduce the community's carbon footprint. As a result of the campaign, Newport News Mayor Joe Frank signed on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and now the city is part of a nationwide network of cities working together to take local action on improving the environment for future generation.

“I am very honored to be recognized by AID like this,” said Ms. Wingfield. “Seeing a way to engage an international issue like climate change in my own college community was inspiring, and I hope to continue my work in this field for a long time.”

Kayti is currently Campus Coordinator for 2020 Vision where she oversee the Regional Directors Program helping students organize successful clean energy campaigns on their campus.