“Bringing people together fosters creativity and helps to keep momentum in campaigning and constructively challenging the status quo.”
As Imperial College Union’s Ethics and Environment Officer, Julia Mitra is helping to shape the university’s sustainability landscape – from running policymaking workshops to green careers initiatives. All while juggling the role with her undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering.
With Sustainability Month’s packed programme of events, workshops and fairs now upon us, Julia shares how she has brought her passion for sustainability to life.
Finding a path into student sustainability leadership
Julia arrived at Imperial knowing sustainability would be a defining part of her time here.
“I went to pretty much every related society and ended up taking on a couple different Clubs, Societies and Projects roles. Through that, I got to know a lot of other student leaders and got my head around all the ongoing projects in sustainability at Imperial, as well as where the biggest challenges were.
“Running for the Ethics & Environment role felt like a natural next step, as a good way to act as a hub for these connections, amplify the impact of student projects, and get a voice on Union Council to solve some of the more systemic issues and get an audience with the university.”
Seeing the impact of community-driven change
Julia describes the Officer position as both flexible and deeply rewarding. Her regular commitments are Union Council meetings, Liberation and Welfare forums, and Grantham Institute forums.
Her current focus spans three key areas:
- Green education and careers: “I just helped co-host the third Green Careers Fair with Careers Services. I’ve also been working with the Education for Sustainability working group.”
- Empowering student involvement: “I just hosted a trial policymaking workshop which was a great success, and am helping plan a student forum for input on the new sustainability strategy.”
- Campaigning on ethical engagement: “Particularly around sustainability and social impact, and how Imperial approaches these at an institutional level.”
For Julia, the best part of the role is seeing measurable outcomes. “It’s super rewarding to get tangible progress, whether that’s passing papers on student council, or getting to see events come together after months of work. It’s also been amazing to work alongside other Liberation and Community Officers, student leaders, and staff who share my passion about these issues and about making Imperial better.”
A value-driven life
Of Imperial’s Values, Julia finds ‘Integrity’ to be a guiding principle in her approach to sustainability and leadership. For example, in her work pushing for more transparency and student involvement in decision making processes across Imperial.
“I’ve also been working to foster open and honest conversations on difficult topics in ethics and the environment, across students and stakeholder groups, to help come to the best solutions and understand differing opinions.”
Celebrating Sustainability Month
March is Sustainability Month at Imperial, and Julia has been looking forward to the activities that bring the community together.
“On Wednesdays, you’ll find me in the Secret Garden with the Environmental Society for sure – it’s such a nice space to decompress and you really forget you’re in the middle of London. I’m also looking forward to the Mending & Upcycling Workshop and hoping to make it to a Climate Fresk.”
Of this year’s themes – creativity, community, and challenge – there’s one that resonates with her particularly strongly.
“Fostering community really speaks to my role as a hub of the Ethics & Environment Network. I feel that building a strong community and support system is central to achieving the other themes. Bringing people together fosters creativity and helps to keep momentum in campaigning and constructively challenging the status quo.”
Life beyond the role
Julia shared that balancing her responsibilities with her studies in Chemical Engineering can be challenging but rewarding:
“There’s always more I wish I could get done and more events I’d like to attend if I had more time, so it’s been hard to make sure to balance setting ambitious yet realistic goals. But I find that really motivating, so it also helps me keep momentum alongside my studies.”
She also manages to find time for extracurricular work and hobbies, ensuring she keeps on top of her wellbeing.
“I play in the Imperial College Symphony Orchestra (come see us this Saturday 28 February in Windsor Castle) and I run quite a bit to decompress. I’ve also been getting into crocheting recently.”
Looking past the conclusion of her studies, Julia hopes to continue applying her technical skills toward real-world environmental impact.
“I’m hoping to stay in chemical engineering, somewhere I can use my degree towards helping solve the climate crisis.”
Read next
Spring into action this March with Sustainability Month’s packed programme of events
Find out more about the Imperial College Union Ethics & The Environment Network
Learn more about Sustainable Imperial
Imperial College Union’s Leadership Elections are almost here. Voting is open from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 March 2026.