Lisa Valela

Lisa Valela is the Program Coordinator for the Graduate Commons Program at two Harvard University Housing properties–10 Akron Street and 5 Cowperthwaite Street. The program provides opportunities for cross-discipline collaboration and social interaction outside of the classroom, fostering a greater sense of community for the Harvard graduate student population. Under Lisa's direction, many of the programs, directly or indirectly, support Harvard’s sustainability efforts.

For example, while free coffee is available in the lobby of each building, cups are not. Each resident receives a reusable travel mug to use when hanging out in one of the common rooms or leaving the building.

Lisa is committed to making sustainability efforts fun. When lights in the buildings were dimmed during Earth Hour, 8:30pm to 9:30pm on March 28th, she invited residents to toast marshmallows in the fireplace at 10 Akron Street.

From April 21-23, residents of the two properties will be pitted against one another in a friendly competition to see who can use less heat, electricity and water. Thanks to utility dashboards in the 10 Akron Street and 5 Cowperthwaite Street lobbies, residents can view and compare the levels of utility usage. They can also see planned events, check the weather, and monitor the location of Harvard buses.

In support of the environment, Lisa and a group of residents will participate in this spring's Charles River Cleanup. To raise awareness about ways to eat more sustainably, she is bringing in a speaker from Whole Foods and serving a dinner featuring locally grown foods. The grand finale event of the year, a wine and cheese tasting, will feature regional wines and a local New England cheese board. And, of course, all paper and plastic goods used at events are recyclable or compostable.

Please visit the Graduate Commons web site for more information.