By Sharnell O’Neal, Student in the M.S. in Sustainability Management Program, School of Professional Studies
Lailah Hall is a Columbia HBCU Fellow and recent graduate of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management (SUMA) program. As a 2024 graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Lailah earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business and left a remarkable legacy of community engagement and leadership.
During her time at FAMU, Lailah was an advocate for community development and food systems awareness in the Tallahassee area of Florida. She held key leadership roles that enabled her to spearhead impactful initiatives, such as a collaboration with local Black agriculturalists and leading the revival of a community garden on campus. In partnership with the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and the School of the Environment at FAMU, Lailah transformed the garden, which had fallen dormant during the pandemic, into a vibrant community nutrition hub. She secured a grant from Duke Energy, which provided resources to enhance the garden with much-needed equipment and cosmetic upgrades and ensure its long-term sustainability and impact.
In addition to her work with the community garden, Lailah chartered FAMU’s first pre-professional organization for agribusiness students, providing members with access to industry professionals and researchers to develop their understanding of the field. Her exceptional contributions earned her the Trailblazer of the Year award, a prestigious honor recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to FAMU.
Lailah’s leadership extended beyond the FAMU campus. She served as president and charter member of the FAMU Collegiate Chapter of the Florida Farm Bureau, in addition to serving as the Region II Undergraduate Student Vice President of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS). Lailah also completed internships with the Board of International Food and Agricultural Development, John Deere, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Although Lailah’s expertise lies in food systems and community development, the SUMA program is equipping her with the tools to pivot into urban planning and expand her impact. She is passionate about creating sustainable cities that foster economic mobility for historically marginalizedunderrepresented communities. Through her studies and future career, she hopes to bridge equity, sustainability, and the built environment and create a lasting impact. Lailah’s journey exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and equity, and reflects the SUMA program’s role in empowering emerging leaders to drive meaningful solutions.
What inspired you to apply for the Columbia HBCU Fellowship and take the next step in your journey with the SUMA program?
My decision to apply for the Columbia HBCU Fellowship program stemmed from the desire to immerse myself within a community of individuals from various HBCUs, in tandem navigating the experience of attending an Ivy League institution. I sought out the Fellowship program to bridge this gap of differing experiences and contribute a unique perspective to the Columbia community.
The SUMA program stood out to me, offering a curriculum and network that directly addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change and environmental instability. By joining this program, I am cultivating a deeper understanding of sustainable practices while engaging with other thought leaders and forward-thinking peers who are equally as committed to driving impactful change in our society.
You’ve made student life a big part of your Columbia experience, especially through the Sustainability Equity Alliance (SEA). What drew you to join SEA, and in what ways has it deepened or shifted your view of sustainability?
I joined the Sustainability Equity Alliance (SEA) to get involved in Columbia University’s vibrant community and contribute to an organization that aligns with my passion for advancing social equity. SEA is a dynamic group of students dedicated to integrating “environmental justice and social impact as core parts of the M.S. in Sustainability Management (SUMA) program’s curriculum and culture,” and it has profoundly shaped my perspective on our industry. In my first semester, I was honored to serve as the student engagement chair, where I focused on fostering connections among students and amplifying engagement with SEA's initiatives. My commitment and enthusiasm led to my election as vice president in my second semester, a role that allows me to further advocate for the principles of equity and inclusion in sustainability.
Through SEA, I have gained invaluable insights into the global community of individuals tirelessly working to combat challenges and uplift DEIA values, despite ongoing societal and systemic setbacks. This experience has not only broadened my understanding of what sustainability is, but has also reinforced my drive to contribute to a more just and equitable world.
In what ways has your HBCU experience prepared you to navigate and thrive at Columbia?
My background at an HBCU has been instrumental in shaping my journey through Columbia. The unwavering support system I cultivated at FAMU not only nurtured my aspirations, but also provided me with the tools to grow as a dedicated and forward-thinking young professional. This foundation, built on a legacy of excellence and community, is how I’ve learned to thrive in any environment. The values of resilience, innovation, and purpose instilled during my undergraduate years have seamlessly translated into my experiences at Columbia, empowering me to pursue my goals with clarity and confidence. I carry these qualities with me as I navigate new opportunities and seek to make meaningful contributions in sustainability.
What advice would you share with someone thinking about applying for the HBCU Fellowship or to the SUMA program?
My advice is: Never hesitate to put yourself out there. As straightforward as it may seem, embracing new experiences and engaging with unfamiliar people can lead to profound self-discovery—especially during times of uncertainty about your current path. Growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Columbia School of Professional Studies or Columbia University.
About the Program
The Columbia University M.S. in Sustainability Management program, offered by the School of Professional Studies in partnership with the Climate School, provides students with cutting-edge policy and management tools to help public and private organizations and governments address environmental impacts and risks, pollution control, and remediation to achieve sustainability. The program is customized for working professionals and is offered as a full-time and part-time course of study.
The program fosters creativity and adaptability by equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world sustainability challenges through an interdisciplinary approach from the world’s premier sustainability academics, researchers, and practitioners. The up-to-the-minute curriculum and flexibility prepare graduates for careers in the dynamic and rapidly changing field of sustainability.
Learn more about the program here.Columbia University’s Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution prepares students to analyze the root causes and dynamics of conflict and to transform disputes through reasoned and resourceful interventions. The program focuses on developing self-awareness, tenacity, and interpersonal competency; building common ground; opening lines of communication; ensuring representation and recognition, and building sustainable possibilities for resolution.
The program has on-campus and online (with residency) modality options. The spring 2026 application deadline for the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution online program is November 1. Learn more about the program here.
