At Yale University, Alice studies Global Affairs and Astronomy. One explores human society; the other looks to the distant universe. Both reflect her curiosity about the world: how do we understand systems far larger than ourselves, and find our place within them? This year, her interest in conservation and youth participation brought her to the NextGen Philanthropy Leadership Program. In a conversation with Zack, a Columbia University student, she shared how the experience connected her ideas about philanthropy with real people and their lives.
Alice’s interest in conservation deepened during a period of study in Switzerland, where she researched biodiversity credits—a mechanism intended to channel private funding into ecological protection and restoration. As her research progressed, she began to consider the people behind the funding: who decides the value of an ecosystem? Can local residents help determine how their land is protected? Conversations with conservation practitioners and researchers made clear that any conservation plan must take local communities’ choices, and the costs they bear, seriously. This also shaped her understanding of philanthropy: before supporting a project, listen to how the people involved understand their own needs.
That concern carried into her educational work. While helping develop space, culture and policy education programmes at WinPlus Education and Technology, Alice noticed that many opportunities to learn about space primarily served science and engineering students. Yet young people interested in law, culture and international relations also had a place in discussions about its future. She helped the team refine the programme’s direction, translating research into plans for courses, mentors and recruitment. Limited resources taught her to make choices: a coherent, rewarding learning experience mattered more than an impressive list of speakers.
In her NextGen application, Alice proposed an idea she hoped to explore: enabling environmentally minded students to take part in funding conservation. They would first learn about needs from scientists, community representatives and local organisations, then manage a small philanthropic fund, discuss which projects to support and explain their decisions. She wanted young people to understand why some initiatives receive support while other needs remain unseen. With this idea in mind, she came to NextGen to see how young people develop their understanding of philanthropy. The programme’s integration of art and artificial intelligence into social impact also spoke to her interests: how could complex issues become more accessible, inviting wider participation while respecting the wishes of those whose stories are told?
Once there, unexpected encounters also left a lasting impression. She had hoped to learn about teamwork, presenting projects and developments in philanthropy; community visits and group work gave those lessons a tangible context. At a Sikh temple, she encountered a faith she knew little about and saw how people drew courage and kindness from it, bringing both into community life. In an art auction session, she recognised the speaker’s dedication to art and enduring curiosity about the world. When Zack asked about her favourite experience, Alice did not single out one activity. Instead, she spoke of the passion they shared: people taking their beliefs seriously and choosing to act on them.
Alice once posed a question: “How can we build a system that enables more people to define and create the good they envision?” It remains a question she hopes to explore, running through her research and practical work. At NextGen, she met people from different backgrounds, saw how their beliefs shaped everyday actions and returned to her own ideas with fresh perspective. Much about the future remains uncertain, but she has begun with real people, needs and choices, seeking responsibilities she can take on. For NextGen, this is what such encounters can offer: a place where care for the world, nurtured through shared learning and practice, begins to take root.
