Angel-Hannah Akinleye (B.S. ’25) is a graduate of Riverside High School, Indianapolis, IN. She strives to create a positive impact in her communities and the world. Akinleye is an Interdisciplinary Studies major with a concentration in International Affairs. Beginning in 2017, she has pursued her interest in environmental advocacy as an active contributor at Earth Charter Indiana, where she currently serves as a board member. She was honored to be a 2019 Youth Ambassador to Brazil sponsored by The US State Department.

Akinleye is the inaugural director of the Youth Environmental Press Team, an initiative to promote Indiana high school journalism that focuses on climate change and environmental challenges. Honored as a 2021 Hoosier Resilience Hero from Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute, Akinleye also won the 2021 National Student Leader award from US Green Building Council & Green Schools National Networks. Akinleye was a former member of the Indianapolis Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council where she advised Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and the city government on issues that impact youth. Her leadership in this venture is an outgrowth of her desire to educate and inspire youth and adults on the importance of climate action and environmental stewardship. Akinleye received recognition from Howard University as a recipient of the Alain Locke Scholars Award. Her passion for journalism led her to become an investigative reporter at Howard University’s premier publication, The Hilltop. She strives to continue to learn and grow.