WHM Spotlight: Mandi Greenhalgh ’26

To continue our celebration of Women’s History Month and the remarkable women who help shape the Roger Williams University community, we’re introducing you to Mandi Greenhalgh, a senior Environmental Science major with minors in Sustainability Studies and History from Clinton Township, N.J., and Co-Chair of the Campus Entertainment Network (CEN).

Greenhalgh has been involved with CEN for three years. She first joined the organization as Outreach Chair before being elected Co-Chair, where she now helps oversee the student programming board responsible for many of RWU’s campus events and theme weeks.

Alongside her leadership in student life, Greenhalgh has also gained hands-on research experience through RWU’s partnership with the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program. Her work has focused on monitoring environmental changes connected to the removal of the lower Kickemuit River dam in Warren, R.I., a project designed to restore a more natural connection between freshwater and saltwater systems.

Through field monitoring of groundwater levels, soil moisture, and tree sap flow, Greenhalgh and fellow researchers are studying how the ecosystem responds as the reservoir transitions back toward its natural state. The experience has strengthened her interest in water systems and environmental research, which she hopes to continue pursuing after graduation.

At RWU, Greenhalgh’s leadership with CEN and involvement in environmental research have helped her expand her leadership skills while deepening her academic interests in environmental science and sustainability.

Fun Facts About Mandi

• She has traveled to 27 states and nine countries.
• She enjoys knitting and completed her first sweater this past fall.
• Her dog Bruce is named after Bruce Springsteen, because the family adopted him on the singer’s birthday.

In Her Own Words

Tell us about your role as CEN Co-Chair and what leadership looks like in that work.

In my role as CEN Co-Chair, leadership looks like overseeing several board members, helping our programming chairs put on successful events and theme weeks, and making sure everyone has the support they need to succeed. It also means communicating clearly about what’s coming up and what needs to get done. Sometimes it’s about helping generate ideas when people feel stuck or encouraging the board to move toward a more achievable plan.

What does it mean to you to be a woman leader here at RWU?

Being a woman leader here at RWU means a lot to me. I grew up around many strong women, and being in a leadership role now feels like continuing that example.

What does “Give to Gain” mean to you and what do you give that helps others gain opportunity?

To me, “Give to Gain” means giving your time and knowledge so that others can gain experience and confidence. In leadership, you may not always get direct recognition for what you do, but seeing others grow and succeed makes the effort worthwhile.

Were there specific people who helped shape your path, and how did their influence guide you?

I was a cheerleader for 14 years, and one of my coaches always told us to give everything 110%. That advice has stayed with me. It reminds me to fully commit to what I’m doing and to pursue opportunities that challenge me.

What advice would you offer to students stepping into leadership?

Communicate more than you think you need to. It’s easy to assume everyone understands what’s happening, but people often need more information than we realize.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support, the only way others can help is if you let them know.