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Cohort 3

Jurisdiction: Ayden

University: Davidson College

Hometown: Cary, NC

Nina Yao served her fellowship in the Town of Ayden, where she created a nonprofit to support and guide downtown revitalization projects. The organization is supported by the Town and seeks to consolidate visions and plans for downtown growth. Yao created a comprehensive plan for the nonprofit, secured funding, and identified key community members to serve on its board.

Yao graduated from Davidson College with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a minor in French and Francophone studies. While at Davidson, she co-founded the Sustainability Collective, a student organization focused on sustainability initiatives, and was recognized as Outstanding Senior of the Year in the environmental studies department. She previously worked with the City of Charlotte’s Sustainability Office as well as the nonprofit Sustain Charlotte.

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