A native Yup’ik and Sāmoan, Charitie Ropati is dedicated to elevating Indigenous communities through activism and research, while also harnessing her Columbia Engineering education.
Her focus on Indigenous activism began in 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska, leading to inclusive graduation ceremonies where students can wear cultural regalia. Charitie recently delivered a keynote address at the U.N. Economic and Social Council, advocating for eradicating poverty amidst crises.
As co-founder of “lilnativegirlinSTEM,” Charitie promotes equality in STEM for Indigenous women and engages in climate action initiatives in partnership with various organizations. Recognized nationally, she is a Future Rising Fellow with Girls Rising and named in publications like the Malala Fund and Teen Vogue.
Studying civil engineering at Columbia University, Charitie focuses on water infrastructure and resilience in the face of climate change. She intertwines her cultural roots with her research for a profound impact.
Charitie’s research at Columbia and Harvard Forest emphasizes the importance of local and Indigenous knowledge in engineering solutions and climate research. Her work showcases the interconnectedness of culture, community, and climate action, setting a powerful example for future generations.
“Local knowledge, especially Indigenous knowledge, is valuable when we think about infrastructure, building, and engineering solutions.”
– CHARITIE ROPATI, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING MECHANICS, CLASS OF ‘24
Charitie’s journey exemplifies the integration of STEM, culture, and community to drive meaningful change. Her advice to students emphasizes the societal impact of their work, urging them to consider the broader implications of their research and actions.
