Nela Loftin ’28 has gleaned an important lesson from her time at Swarthmore: Lasting change depends not just on ambitious projects or technical solutions, but on the relationships behind them.

“Swarthmore has really deepened my understanding of what it means to be an engaged citizen and reflect on what we owe each other,” says the engineering and environmental studies major from Syracuse, N.Y. 

“I think people often underestimate how much major societal changes happen internally and within the relations we build with each other,” she says.

That commitment to building stronger communities — and to approaching engineering as a tool for equity and public good — has earned Loftin national recognition as a Newman Civic Fellow.

The yearlong fellowship, offered through Campus Compact, recognizes students for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in their communities. The fellows engage in learning and networking opportunities aimed at supporting their development as civic leaders, including an annual national gathering.

“I was thrilled!” says Loftin, who learned about the recognition through an email from the Lang Center for Civic & Social Responsibility. “It’s great to know that the work you’re doing is being recognized. The fellowship reassured me that I’ve been on the right track.”

Loftin’s work at Swarthmore has brought together engineering, sustainability, and community engagement. She is a founder and co-president of Swarthmore’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders and has worked with the Good Energy Collaborative, which connects students with community partners on issues including environmental justice and clean energy. She also interned at the Ruth Bennett Community Farm in Chester, Pa., where she gained firsthand experience with food sovereignty and community organizing.

“The resources and support of the Lang Center, Engineering Department, and Black Cultural Center have enabled me to pursue some truly empowering projects throughout my time at Swarthmore,” Loftin says. “My time with the Good Energy Collaborative has given me the opportunity to co-create learning spaces with community partners and empower the next generation of leaders.”

The fellowship will give Loftin opportunities to expand that work. She plans to attend the Annual Newman Convening in Washington, D.C., in November, where fellows from colleges and universities across the country will gather for networking, learning, and leadership development. She also hopes to secure a Newman mini-grant to support an international bridge project through Swarthmore’s Engineers Without Borders chapter.

“I am passionate about using engineering to promote climate justice and equity,” she says. “This grant will greatly contribute to the international project and really help a lot of people.”  

But just as important to Loftin is the chance to meet students pursuing their own approaches to civic engagement.

“Being in a room with such like-minded and passionate students is invigorating,” she says. “I’m excited to learn about the different projects students have been working on.”