Fellowship in Action: Alyssa Melville and Eli Corzo Spark Lasting Change in Houston

Fellowship in Action: Alyssa Melville and Eli Corzo Spark Lasting Change in Houston

At the heart of Houston’s vibrant communities, Alyssa Melville of Guyana and Eli Corzo of Peru completed transformative four-month practicums under the U.S. Department of State's IREX Community Solutions Program (CSP). Hosted by the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, and mentored by Ed Pettitt, Graduate Research Assistant, these passionate fellows left an indelible mark on Houston’s Third Ward, Sunnyside, and beyond.

Connecting Communities through Sustainability

During their time in Houston, Alyssa and Eli engaged in groundbreaking work designed to address environmental inequities and promote sustainability. They collaborated on community-driven projects, facilitated educational workshops, and developed actionable strategies to empower local residents.

Reflecting on their time, Ed Pettitt noted: “Alyssa and Eli brought energy, expertise, and a fresh perspective to the Bullard Center. Their work not only addressed pressing issues in our communities but also strengthened the foundation for future initiatives.”

Alyssa’s Vision: Cleaner Communities and Empowered Residents

Alyssa’s focus was on waste management and community empowerment in Third Ward. Her projects included organizing a community cleanup, mapping illegal dumping sites, and creating a comprehensive StoryMap to highlight local waste challenges and solutions. She also worked with local advocacy group Friends of Columbia Tap to organize a Housing and Economic Opportunity Workshop co-sponsored by the Bullard Center and University of Houston Community Design Resource Center at the historic Eldorado Ballroom. Workshop participants contributed insights that will shape a plan detailing strategies to preserve affordable housing, promote equitable economic development, and enhance community amenities in Houston's Third Ward, with a focus on historical preservation, infrastructure improvements, and inclusive growth.

One of Alyssa’s standout moments was the November 10th Third Ward Cleanup event, where over 100 volunteers gathered to tackle illegal dumping and beautify the neighborhood. Speaking about her experience, Alyssa shared: “The passion and resilience of the Third Ward residents were inspiring. Through this fellowship, I’ve seen how community-led action can create real, lasting change.”

Upon returning to Guyana, Alyssa plans to launch Waste to Health: Sustainable Solutions for Cleaner Communities, an initiative to assess pollution, educate residents, and develop community-driven waste management strategies. This work will build on her Houston experience and address similar environmental challenges in her hometown of Lethem.

Eli’s Impact: Building Solar Futures and Circular Economies

Eli's work centered on renewable energy and workforce development. Partnering with Sunnyside leader Tracy Stephens, she conducted a solar workstation analysis to identify scalable solutions for solar-powered public spaces. Eli also collaborated with Paulette Lynch and the Environmental Career Worker Training Program (ECWTP) to evaluate solar workforce training curricula.

A unique aspect of Eli’s fellowship was her development of circular economy case studies, which highlighted Houston’s progress in managing waste and adopting sustainability practices. Her analysis emphasized the city’s waste management systems, opportunities for growth, and key challenges in advancing its recycling and composting infrastructure.

Reflecting on her experience, Eli remarked: “Houston taught me that sustainability is more than technology—it’s about people and their commitment to change. I’m excited to take these lessons back to Peru.”

Eli’s upcoming Community Action Project (CAP) in Lima will focus on solar-powered public spaces, promoting safety and sustainability through innovative design. The project’s pilot installation at Parque de las Aguas will feature solar-powered tables and charging stations, fostering green energy adoption in urban environments.  

Collaborative Community Engagement

Beyond their individual projects, Alyssa and Eli united in broader community engagement activities. Together, they:

-Joined Friday morning walks with Fit Houston to promote health and neighborhood unity.

-Participated in coffee chats with the Greater 3rd Ward Super Neighborhood #67 and other community-based groups to discuss community development and sustainability goals.

-Engaged with the 3rd Ward Leading with Equity in Adaptation Practice (LEAP) project and developed a Home Solar Guide and Solar Capacity Reference Guide, educating residents on harnessing solar power.

These efforts underscore the Bullard Center’s mission to advance environmental justice through collaboration and innovation.

Lasting Impact and Shared Lessons

The work of Alyssa and Eli transcended their fellowship, laying a foundation for long-term benefits in Houston and their home countries. Ed Pettitt emphasized:

“Their projects addressed immediate needs while also building capacity for future solutions. They’ve set a benchmark for international collaboration in environmental justice.”

As they depart Houston, Alyssa and Eli leave behind empowered communities, actionable resources, and a renewed sense of possibility. Their journey embodies the transformative power of global fellowship programs in fostering environmental resilience and social equity.

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