Emilia Stern, a 2007 WISE alumna, shares the same thrill for adventure as her family. During her senior year at Rondout Valley High School, Emilia partnered with two of her friends, Sarah and Kaitlyn, to do a community service WISE project. The girls traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi to help Hurricane Katrina victims. During their stay, they spoke to and learned from people who had been devastated by the hurricane. Emilia documented their stories and the effects of the natural disaster through photography and art.

Since WISE, Emilia earned her Bachelor of Art in Fine Arts from Mary Washington University and traveled as much as possible. From spending a semester abroad in Florence and studying sustainable farming to WWOOFING (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) in Hawaii, Emilia has combined her two passions: nature and design. Emilia is currently an art assistant to several artists in the Hudson Valley, and she has created her own line of silk jewelry and accessories on Etsy.