Student Jariel Ramos Selected for Fellowship Nurturing Civic Leaders

Third-year student and environmental advocate Jariel Ramos has been named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to the advancement of civic and community engagement in higher education.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program supporting students like Jariel who are community-oriented leaders, eager to find solutions to tough challenges within society. Through the fellowship, Jariel will be introduced to learning and networking opportunities meant to nurture civic leaders and participate in programing that “emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth" for positive change.

Fellows are also introduced to pathways for special opportunities, including mini grants to help fund community projects, scholarships and post-graduate experiences, Campus Compact said.

Jariel joins fellows from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico as members of the 2026-27 cohort. 

"Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur.

Jariel, a political science major, is a climate activist with interest in environmental justice and sustainability. At Dominican, he is the founder and president of the Green-Way Action Collective, a grassroots environmental advocacy organization aimed at mobilizing students around climate action and community engagement.

Jariel has also lobbied elected officials in his home state of Wisconsin to approve Earth-friendly legislation, and he has served on the youth advisory board for GoodPower, a global organization working to encourage the transition to renewable energy and technology that lowers energy costs, produces healthier food and improves the economy.

Earlier this year, Jariel received Dominican University’s inaugural Sister Sheila Seeds of Change Award, which recognizes meaningful student contributions to sustainable practices.

“I’m honored to be named a Campus Compact Newman Fellow,” Jariel said. “I’m particularly excited to attend the annual Fellows Convening conference in Washington, D.C., where I look forward to connecting with student leaders nationwide and gaining valuable insights into civic engagement.”

Paul Simpson, director for Civic Learning at Dominican University, commended Jariel’s leadership and his understanding of building relationships and “person-to-person organizing” to create positive change.

“Jariel is a remarkable leader. He not only understands the role good policy and government must play in addressing daunting challenges like the climate crisis, he knows that we have to work to build people power and hold leaders accountable for making and maintaining those policies,” Simpson said. “I know that Jariel, as a Newman Fellow, will benefit from connecting to a network of social justice-minded students from around the country.”