Warren Kullanger-Axelman is a student at Columbia University majoring in Economics–Political Science. He is passionate about climate change and sustainable development, driven by a belief that meaningful progress requires both grassroots action and systemic leadership. As the founder of Ridgewood Wastelanders—a volunteer litter removal community group—he coordinated volunteer efforts to remove waste from urban green spaces and waterways across Queens, partnering with the NYC Parks Department and local City Council members to foster community investment in the local environment. He applied to the Social Impact Fellowship because his experience has largely been rooted in the climate and environmental space, and he is eager to learn from leaders working on complex global challenges across different sectors. Through the fellowship, he hopes to develop a deeper understanding of how effective, lasting social impact gets built—and to grow into someone who is not just passionate about sustainable development, but actively drives it. Ultimately, he looks forward to learning about methods for achieving substantive social change, alongside peers equally committed to meaningful, community-rooted movements.