Arlie Schardt Memorial Fellowship
Arlie Schardt Memorial Fellowship
Our Fellowship program is designed to increase the long-term effectiveness of FOE and the environmental movement by operating an inspiring and fulfilling fellowship program that builds skills and relevant job experience for people of color and members of underrepresented communities.
Arlie W. Schardt was a pioneering voice for the environment and witness to some of the most seminal events in American history as a Time magazine correspondent traveling with Martin Luther King while covering the civil rights movement. Throughout his peripatetic 50-year career, Schardt reported on and acted on behalf of social justice. Al Gore states, “Through his remarkably diverse career, Arlie Schardt lived a life of purpose and impact,” said the former Vice President. “He was a champion for civil rights and an early pioneer of the environmental movement. I valued greatly his commitment to public service and will always be grateful for the invaluable roles he played on my Presidential campaign.” Schardt joined Friends of the Earth (FOE), serving as Chairman of the Board from 2009 until June 2019 when he was named chair emeritus in honor of his service. According to Erich Pica, president of FOE, “Arlie was instrumental in tripling the size of the organization and broadening its mandate to combine his concerns for social and racial justice with environmentalism.”
Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff and our movement.
Meet our 2025 Fellows
Cristian Barrios • Economic Policy Fellow
Cristian Barrios is the 2025 Economic Policy Fellow, supporting the Economic Policy Team’s research on improving international sustainable finance practices.
Before joining Friends of the Earth, he gained experience as a Legislative Intern with the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, worked as a Policy Fellow with an environmental nonprofit, and interned with his local government and various nonprofit organizations.
Originally from South Florida, Cristian is on track to graduate with a master’s in public policy from the University of Central Florida in 2025. He previously earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Florida Atlantic University. In his free time, he enjoys reading, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.
Pierce Carter • Oceans & Vessels Fellow
Pierce Carter is the 2025 Arlie Schardt Memorial Ocean and Vessels/Petrochemical Fellow at Friends of the Earth. In this role, he will focus on research to support policy and financing initiatives aimed at transitioning to a cleaner energy economy and promoting a sustainable future.
Previously, Pierce worked for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Louisiana’s only energy and consumer advocacy group, where he tracked outage data and developed a deeper understanding of environmental and utility policies. Conducting research while gaining insight into the legal system and regulatory agencies was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pierce attended Loyola University New Orleans, earning a B.S. in Environmental Science. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing guitar and bass, reading, and lifting weights.
Kaija Celestin • Communications Fellow
Kaija is the 2025 Arlie Schardt Memorial Program Communications Fellow. She develops content for the organization’s social media feeds and websites, highlighting ongoing and new campaign initiatives.
Originally from San Tan Valley, Arizona, Kaija graduated from Dartmouth College in 2025 with a B.A. in English and African & African American Studies. During her time at Dartmouth, she gained extensive experience in historical research and content creation. Notably, she worked at the Rauner Special Collections Library as a Historical Accountability Student Intern and contributed to the New Hampshire Digital Newspapers Project.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching video essays, and playing The Sims.
Shruti Ratnaparkhi • Food & Agriculture Fellow
Shruti is the Arlie Schardt Memorial Program Food and Agriculture Fellow. She assists the Food and Agriculture and Emerging Tech teams with conducting research and developing campaigns to promote more sustainable and healthy food systems. Shruti recently completed her Master of Public Administration from London School of Economics, where she specialized in economic policy. Prior to joining her master’s program, she worked at the United Nations foundation, where she supported digital development programs as a Senior Associate with the Digital impact Alliance and served as a Gender and Markets intern with the Clean Cooking Alliance. Shruti also holds a B.A. in International Affairs and Economics from George Washington University.
Outside of work, Shruti enjoys listening to music, exploring museums and art galleries, and reading.
Video from 2021 Arlie Schardt Memorial Fellows discussing their experience with the fellowship and working at Friends of the Earth.