Jose Perez Vela

Jose Perez Vela (he/him/él) has an Honors B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), with concentrations in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Urban and Public Affairs, and Leadership Studies. Jose started as the first Sustainability Intern at Maverick Dining by Chartwells Higher Ed, where he launched a successful reusable to-go container system at UTA and prioritized educational sustainability marketing. For his Senior Capstone Project, Jose focused on Environmental Justice as a McNair Research Scholar, where he conducted qualitative field research in two communities of color in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and went on to present his research at the Texas State Capitol. Jose was promoted to Sustainability Director with Pitt Eats by Chartwells Higher Ed upon graduation. Today, he spends time exploring the East Coast and pursuing his passions for photography, environmental justice, and sustainability education.