As a child, Dr. Lauren Speeth’s family moved from New York to New Delhi, where her parents co-founded a school for Dalits, people who occupy the lowest echelon of Indian society. “That experience opened my eyes to poverty, inequality, neglected diseases, and illiteracy,” says Speeth. It also propelled her to lead a purposeful life. Today, she’s supporting Northeastern students as they become environmental advocates, researchers, and leaders.