“I am proof that it doesn’t matter where you come from, if you work hard, continue learning, give back to your community, and help others along the way, you can succeed and find a way to make your goals a reality.”

Justin Thompson is a tenacious learner and community-engaged leader committed to fostering equity in policy and practice. A first-generation college student, Justin started his undergraduate education at The University of Toledo until he stepped away in the wake of the unexpected loss of his father. It is with characteristic resilience and determination that Justin then dedicated himself to his community, volunteering and eventually serving in leadership positions with the Ashtabula County Democratic Party, the Ohio Stop Brine Spreading Task Force, Faith Communities Together for a Sustainable Future, and the NAACP – Ashtabula County, among others.

When Justin returned to college, transferring to Kent State University full-time, his commitments only strengthened. Justin served as environmental justice chair for the NAACP, helping to draft legislation for the State of Ohio regarding hydraulic fracturing waste regulation, and president of the Kent State Future Environmental Professionals Club, leading a successful university fossil fuel divestment campaign, all while maintaining a 3.99 GPA. He also simultaneously completed the EPA’s Environmental Justice Academy and the LEAD Ohio Campaign Staff Academy. He graduated with honors and served as the commencement speaker in 2022. His professors describe him as a student with “unwavering commitment to meeting his goals” and remark on his unparalleled contributions to the environmental studies program and his communities.

Now at U-M, Justin is pursuing a dual MS and MPP degree with a focus on environmental policy and planning. He plans to pursue a career in environmental policy, legislation, or lobbying. Justin reflects, “I am proof that it doesn’t matter where you come from, if you work hard, continue learning, give back to your community, and help others along the way, you can succeed and find a way to make your goals a reality.”

CEW+ applauds Justin’s persistence in his education and fierce commitment to his communities and names him a Potential Made Possible Scholar.