It’s our pleasure to introduce our 2026 Karen Mashburn Environmental Scholar, Frances Josma.
Frances Josma, the 2026 Karen Mashburn Environmental Scholar.
Frances Josma is a Florida State University student pursuing dual degrees in Public Health and Environment & Society, with a minor in Philosophy of Science. Conservation as a way of life is a shared family value founded in her Haitian heritage, leading Frances to pursue diverse experiences in climate justice and water advocacy. She has organized campus events, led fundraising efforts, advocated for policy changes and co-authored an op-ed about Tallahassee’s clean energy plan.
Frances has been drawn to environmental outreach from a young age, where the spiritual tradition of lwa shaped her responsibility to protect the Earth. She believes in the power of creative communication — ranging from performance art and storytelling to digital media — to make sustainability relevant and accessible to people of all backgrounds. According to Frances, “Environmental movements succeed when people understand the emotional and human impact behind environmental issues… Different communities engage with environmental conversations in different ways, and effective outreach requires meeting people where they are.”
Through the Karen Mashburn Environmental Scholars Program, Frances is excited to support Friends of the Everglades by developing opportunities for youth stewardship and community advocacy—experiences that will inform her future career as an Environmental Justice Attorney.
Dive deeper into Frances’ story by reading her application essay below.
“One voice can ignite a movement”
I am driven by a passion for protecting both human health and the natural world. The opportunity to work with Friends of the Everglades through the Young Friends program represents the perfect alignment of my academic background, leadership experience, and personal mission to create meaningful change through environmental education and justice.
My involvement in a wide range of organizations has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to Friends of the Everglades. At Florida State University, I serve on the Student Union Board in the Student Government Association, where I advocate for student needs and help ensure their voices are heard. This role has sharpened my communication, leadership, and public engagement skills which is an essential tool for spreading environmental awareness and mobilizing communities. I also interned with GenCLEO, a youth-led climate advocacy organization, where I organized campus events and helped promote policy changes that support climate justice. As part of this work, I co-authored an op-ed promoting Tallahassee’s clean energy plan, using writing as a platform for action.
My passion for global water equity is expressed through my work as co-director of marketing for the Maji Project on FSU campus, which provides clean water and sanitation to communities in East Africa. I lead campaigns, fundraisers, and outreach efforts that amplify our mission. This work has strengthened my skills in visual communication and digital advocacy, skills I would bring to the Young Friends program through designing educational materials, creating infographics, and developing messaging that inspires young audiences to care about the Everglades and our planet.
Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program at FSU, I’ve been able to explore the intersection of environmentalism and social justice through creative expression. Dr. Sarah Fahmy and I’s current project, The Butterfly Affect, investigates how ecofeminism and performance art can drive societal and environmental change. This research has taught me how diverse approaches in art, writing, and storytelling can be used to connect with people who might not otherwise engage in environmental conversations. Bridging the gap between information and action through creative communication is something I believe deeply in.
My commitment to environmental justice began in high school, when I fundraised for Water Compass, a nonprofit providing clean water and sanitation in Uganda. This passion project gave me my first experience in grassroots outreach from making flyers to organizing events and that sparked my long-term
interest in global environmental health. More recently, I had the opportunity to travel to London, where I explored how different cultures view environmental and public health issues, broadening my global perspective on sustainability and policy.
Before graduating high school, I also wrote a reflection piece for Florida’s Next Trends magazine, and later, at FSU, I co-authored an op-ed with GenCLEO. These writing experiences helped me realize the power of public voice and storytelling in sparking change. Altogether, my academic and extracurricular experiences have shaped my belief that to be an effective activist, one must not only advocate but also serve through educating, volunteering, fundraising, and researching sustainable practices in both local and global contexts.
As someone who believes in empowering young people through education, I see tremendous potential in expanding the reach and impact of the Young Friends program in Florida schools. One way to do this is through the development of interactive, hands-on curriculum that aligns with academic standards while sparking student curiosity about the Everglades. These lessons could include science activities like water quality testing or creative projects like Everglades-themed storytelling and artwork. These types of approaches that connect students both intellectually and emotionally to environmental issues.
I also envision helping schools launch student-led eco-clubs focused on sustainability and conservation. These clubs could host clean-up events, plant native gardens, and lead Earth Day celebrations. Integrating virtual guest speakers and field trips would further enhance learning by connecting students with experts and real-world projects, particularly benefiting schools farther from the Everglades, like those in North Florida. To increase accessibility, I’d also support translating educational materials into Haitian Creole and other languages widely spoken in South Florida.
These ideas stem from my broader goal of inspiring young people to see themselves as environmental stewards and agents of change. This vision is closely tied to my personal and professional aspirations. I hope to attend graduate school and pursue a career in environmental justice law, while remaining deeply involved in global health and sustainability advocacy. Whether through legal action or community organizing, I want to fight for access to clean air, water, and a livable planet especially for those in marginalized communities. I believe environmental health is a human right, and I am committed to defending that right through education, policy work, and civic engagement.
I am honored to be considered for the Karen Mashburn Scholarship because I strive to embody the values it represents: civic responsibility, a passion for environmental education, and a deep commitment to public service. Like Karen Mashburn and Marjory Stoneman Douglas, I believe one voice can ignite a movement, and that true activism means more than just speaking up, it means showing up, doing the work, and lifting others in the process. Whether I’m organizing a fundraiser, writing a policy piece, or leading a school outreach campaign, I bring dedication, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to learn.
This internship would allow me to continue growing as an advocate and an educator, while contributing meaningfully to a cause I care about deeply. I am excited to learn from those who have spent their lives protecting Florida’s ecosystems and empowering communities through environmental education. I am
ready to carry forward the legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas not only by informing and inspiring others, but by taking action, building coalitions, and working toward a healthier, more just world.
