Stories from the Erb Co-Presidents

At the heart of the Erb Institute is a tight-knit, purpose-driven community—one that supports, challenges, and uplifts its members as they navigate the intersection of business and sustainability. Within this community, the Student Advisory Board (SAB) plays a vital leadership role. Composed of passionate and engaged dual-degree students, SAB exists to strengthen the Erb experience—academically, professionally, and socially.

SAB members serve as liaisons between the student body and the Institute, offering feedback, organizing events, and championing initiatives that enhance student life. From orientation to graduation, SAB helps create the connective tissue that makes Erb more than just a program—it makes it a home. As Co-Presidents, Hillary McKenzie and Sophie Geoghan have led this work with heart and intention, carrying forward a tradition of leadership that is rooted in community. In the reflections below, they share what this role has meant to them, what they’ve learned, and what they’ll take with them as they move into their next chapters beyond the University of Michigan and the Erb Institute.

What has been your favorite part of your Erb experience? 

Hillary: The most impactful aspect of the Erb program for me has been the deeply supportive and interconnected community. The willingness of my peers and the students in the classes ahead of me to share their experiences played a crucial role in helping me understand different possibilities within the sustainability field and ultimately clarifying the direction I wanted to take as I launched my career.

Another favorite experience was Erb Returns, which took place during my first and last year. During my first year, coming into the program relatively new to sustainability, the opportunity to connect with Erb alumni was formative. Their insights into diverse career paths directly influenced the choices I made as I began to shape my own professional trajectory. Seeing many of those same alumni again during my third-year Erb Returns was a completely different experience, where those conversations took on a new depth and relevance. Despite not being in classes together simultaneously, there was still that strong sense of familiarity and shared Erb identity. 

Sophie: I agree, I have felt so supported by the community at each step. Whether it’s trying to find a GSI position or determining which full-time role is the best fit after graduation, there’s always an Erber willing to chat about their experience. Moving to a new state is always daunting. From the very first event in September of my first year, an orientation dinner with speeches from faculty and students, my partner and I immediately felt like we were part of a fun, supportive, and active community. 

What made you want to become Co-Presidents of the Erb SAB?

Sophie: The Erb SAB plans events, coordinates major programming like coaching and camping, and helps students with career and academics. I absolutely loved Erb camping and can’t wait for this year’s. My Erb coach had long chats during my first year, and she helped me make sense of which of the wide array of opportunities I wanted to pursue. SAB has been a huge part of my experience, so I wanted to support SAB in my last year at Erb.

Hillary: I was on SAB my first two years and saw how this team can really shape the Erb community. My decision to pursue the Co-President role stemmed from a desire to contribute more actively to shaping the Erb student experience. I benefited immensely from the Erb community and the dedication of student leaders who came before me. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to give back and help elevate the program for my peers. 

What’s been your favorite part of serving as Co-Presidents?

Sophie: There have been many fun parts of serving as president. I think my favorite was our semi-annual event “What’s Brewing.” Students and staff collaborate and brainstorm how to make the student experience better. I was inspired by the ideas that both students and staff brought to the event, and think it’s an excellent way for the Institute to stay connected with the daily lives of students. I loved seeing the ideas and initiatives written on whiteboards around the Ross classroom.

Hillary: I second What’s Brewing—it’s been deeply rewarding to amplify the voices of our peers and act as a link between peers and the Erb staff and faculty. Witnessing positive changes emerge from student feedback and advocacy has been incredibly fulfilling. I also really valued the collaborative synergy I experienced working alongside Sophie and the rest of SAB. Our strengths balanced each other well, and it created a creative, energizing environment to lead in.

What lessons will you carry into your next chapter?

Sophie: Whether it’s at Erb Returns, chatting with alumni, talking shop at the Jug, or reaching out to an alum and chatting on Zoom, it’s been so helpful to be able to get experienced perspectives on questions about different industries, roles, etc. I’ve learned from this experience how important it is to reach out when I have questions or don’t know what to ask and want someone’s perspective on a totally new issue. In the next chapter, I hope to maintain the relationships I’ve built with my peers and alumni and continue to reach out to Erbers throughout my career.

Hillary:  One of the most meaningful takeaways from my time at Erb is the understanding that leadership is as much about creating space for others as it is about stepping up yourself. It’s about listening, building trust, and shaping communities where people feel seen and supported. As I move into this next chapter, I hope to carry that forward, continuing to lead with purpose while staying grounded in the kind of community Erb modeled so well. I don’t see these relationships as something I’m leaving behind, but rather as a foundation I’ll keep building on—through mentorship, collaboration, and showing up for others the way so many Erbers have shown up for me.