CPaCE News

PHOTO (L-R): MSSMP students Winston Cartwright, Elizabeth Rubio, Heather Khuraibet, Bridget Sterbentz, Cristina Perez, Jeimy Rodriguez Morales, Samantha Seo, and Alejandro de Loera at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

On February 20, 2025, a group of students in the Master of Science in Sustainability Management and Policy (MSSMP) program experienced a unique educational day at the California State Capitol in Sacramento, where they discussed sustainability issues and gained first-hand experience with the legislative process.

Students met with representatives from the offices of Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, and Senator Lena Gonzalez. They also visited the headquarters of CalRecycle, or California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, where they learned how the state agency supports economic growth by reducing waste, reusing materials, and conserving resources.

“Our trip to Sacramento was a success!” exclaimed MSSMP program director Monica Argandona. “It was an incredible lesson in advocacy and the policy process.”

PHOTO (L-R): MSSMP students Lauryn Mendez and Rose Guadian, legislative aide Alex Mitchell from Assemblymember Lowenthal's office, MSSMP students Mila Mitra, Madeline Franco, and Brandon Labeet.

With support from the CSULB President's Commission on Sustainability, the trip was organized by MSSMP Advisory Board member Dr. Joanne Brasch, Special Projects Manager at the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC). Dr. Brasch shared insights from her career in the textiles and clothing industry, including CPSC projects that she is leading to achieve higher standards in product design by minimizing waste and environmental impact.

“The field trip provided a unique insider experience and a deeper understanding of the legislative process,” said CSULB student Rose Guadian, “fueling my dedication to addressing sustainability challenges—a topic that more people are discussing.” 

“What I really liked was meeting like-minded staff and members of the state who are advocating for better sustainable measures,” said student Liz Rubio. “This trip was truly eye-opening to see how much you can do with a sustainability background.” 

"The entire day was inspirational, educational, and fun—I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the inner workings of our government,” said student Nova Gallegos. “It truly reinforced that, as both citizens of California and advocates for sustainability, our voices can be heard and may help initiate change." 

“The trip really helped open my eyes to different sustainability related career opportunities,” added student Bridget Sterbentz. “I felt that the meetings with different legislators and Calrecycle was an insightful experience that gave me a better understanding of the complexity of state policy making. I would love to do it again!” 

PHOTO: Front - MSSMP students Cristal Castro, Mila Mitra, Rose Guadian, and Samantha Seo; Middle - MSSMP students Madeline Franco, Heather Khuraibet, Bridget Sterbentz, Elizabeth Rubio, Jeimy Rodriguez Morales, Lauryn Mendez, and Alejandro de Loera; Back - MSSMP students Brandon Labeet, Winston Cartwright, Nova Gallegos, and Cristina Perez with program advisor Mary Jones-Harley. 

"The MSSMP program is a wonderful example of the 'Green Thread' that is woven throughout our campus—from sustainability policies and environmental justice to air quality, water use, and renewable energy," said CSULB President Jane Conoley. 

"I launched the President’s Commission on Sustainability with those initiatives in mind,” she continued, “and after meeting with so many committed students, faculty, and staff, I'm more confident than ever that the CSULB community is providing leadership in the response to climate change. We are making Southern California a more resilient place to study, work, and live."

Learn more about the MSSMP program at CSULB.