Rooted in Environmental Justice: MLK Scholar Blends Advocacy, Community, and Law

By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Major Ashtyn Browning is leveraging an interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate studies as she sets her sights on a career in environmental law by way of the 3+3 path to law school. 

Originally from Bowling Green, she was encouraged by her parents to choose a major that had the 3+3 program for law school because it could save her both time and money. 

“Looking at women’s, gender and sexuality studies, I thought, this is literally the only thing that I would want to study and honestly, I feel like people have a preconceived notion of what it is, but law is so broad, and you're learning about dealing with people,” Browning said. “Women’s, gender and sexuality studies is literally teaching you about people in an intersectional approach, and I never really realized how much I would enjoy this major.” 

A Woodford R. Porter Scholar, Financial Secretary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and NPHC Community Engagement & Development Chair, Browning has also gotten involved in community engagement. This began through the Center for Environmental Policy and Management (CEPM), the Superfund Research Center, and now the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute.  

For Browning, a simple environmental justice bus tour through Louisville during her freshman year ignited a monumental transformation, leading to her goal of working towards a career in environmental law. 

“It sparked something inside of me where I was like, oh my gosh… I feel like something is happening here,” said Browning. “I’m originally from Bowling Green, so being in Louisville is definitely somewhere I want to live. I want to practice law in Louisville, and I want to do environmental law. I’d call myself an ambitious person, so once I went on that bus tour, I started thinking ahead.” 

She enrolled in a sustainability seminar with Professor Tim Darst, joined the Presidential Council’s mentorship program, and was paired with an environmental lawyer, Carl Horneman of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP —opening more doors to the future.  

“Through that, I was able to meet Sociology Department Chair Lauren Heberle in the CEPM. That’s how all of this started,” said Browning. “I had this tiny bit of interest in environmental justice, but I wanted to learn more and find the resources to make it real.” 

From there, she dove into experiences like Superfund research and environmental justice work.  

“I was definitely more on the community engagement side, and not so much on the law side yet, but it was still good to see all these different spheres,” she said. “I just love being inside it—learning more and trying to get my hands on everything.” 

For Browning, each step brings her closer to achieving her dream.  

“I want to make change, but I didn’t really know where to start. I’m really grateful for all of these opportunities that have helped me figure it out, one step at a time,” she said. “I definitely feel like I’m at a good place where I can thrive and still get opportunities. I’ve been able to take on leadership roles in my sorority, and I’ve had so many chances for community engagement, which I really enjoy.” 

From organizing a step show to volunteering across Louisville, her involvement has helped her build deep connections.  

“I’ve met so many people and had so many opportunities to network—things I don’t think I would’ve had without joining these organizations,” she said. 

For students considering UofL, especially those passionate about social justice, Browning offers this advice: “It’s OK to change your mind. I came in thinking I’d do one thing and ended up taking a different path—and it all worked out. Especially in social justice, changing your mind can lead you to so many different places.” 

She added, “I’ve planned so many events with a focus on advocacy through my sorority. I really believe everything happens for a reason—and my major has taught me so much.”