Meet our 2024 Mississippi River Fellows
The Mississippi River Fellowship is a 10-week paid opportunity for diverse and underrepresented young adults ages 18-25 to explore the different branches of the National Park Service including Visitor Services, Interpretation & Education, Natural & Cultural Resource Management, and the Volunteer Program. The fellows work directly with National Park Service Rangers, Mississippi Park Connection staff, and other park partners to facilitate educational programs, habitat restoration events, and wildlife monitoring on the Mississippi River. Meet our 2024 fellows: Riya and TJ.
Riya Stebleton
Hi, my name is Riya Stebleton! I use she/her pronouns and am one of the river fellows at Mississippi Park Connection this summer. This fall, I am going into my first year of college at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, and intend on majoring in environmental studies. My interests lie in urban environmental justice issues and ecological sustainability. In the past, I’ve worked in youth programs with Friends of the Mississippi River, working to make green spaces and the river accessible to all. I enjoy swimming, biking, trying new restaurants in the Twin Cities, and traveling to visit family in India. So far, I have loved paddling and participating in habitat restoration events. I am so excited to be a part of the Mississippi Park Connection team this summer!
TJ Palli
Hi there! My name is TJ Palli, and I am one of the River Fellows with Mississippi Park Connection this summer. I am an upcoming junior at Macalester College, where I am double majoring in Environmental Studies and Educational Studies. At Mac, I swim for the varsity Men's Swim and Dive Team, and in the off-season, I play on the club volleyball team. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing volleyball, and playing board games.
Growing up in Maple Grove, MN, my family often went kayaking and hiking at nearby parks, giving me an interest in the outdoors and water that being a swimmer has only increased. As a fellow this summer, I am excited to gain exposure to the multitude of opportunities to interact with the Mississippi River so I can share them with my friends and family. I am most looking forward to outdoor education and interpretation events. Beyond engaging with the communities around the river, I want to learn about the Indigenous and natural histories of the Mississippi.