Sena is a 2021 Truman Scholar graduating with a BA in Environmental studies. She is extraordinarily passionate about climate action and environmental justice. Her dedication has been recognized by both the Clean Water Action Environmental Activism Dedication Award and the University of Connecticut Environmental Leadership Award. Sena featured just this past February in Connecticut Magazine’s 40 Under 40 for her efforts. Nominated by Katharine Capshaw, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLAS, Sena is well revered as a highly accomplished young woman.

Through her role as Director of Sunrise CT, a hub of the National Sunrise Movement, which is a youth-led effort to fight climate change. Sena tackles climate issues through legislative actions, organizing events and creating strategic plans for the organization with the goal of facilitating collaboration with other organizations and elected officials. Sena has advocated for compulsory education on global climate change and expanded incentives for renewable energy initiatives. With drive, Sena has also spearheaded the first CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Youth Climate Summit, and chaired a subcommittee on the Connecticut Governor’s Council on Climate Change.

These days, Sena is spending her time working closely with legislators in the efforts to pass a bill requiring climate education in all public schools. After graduation, Sena’s goal is to push for more positive environmental and climate policy within government. She plans to return to graduate school someday with the intent to pursue a Masters in Public Policy or Public Administration.