How has your experience in service impacted you and your community?     

My experience has opened my eyes to the power of one voice – how it can touch and connect to so many other like-minded individuals. I am so thankful for the connections I’ve made to other California Climate Action Corps Fellows doing valuable, diverse work in their sites. Their stories inspire me to work hard and share about mine.

I am grateful to see volunteers show up at my site regularly, lovingly sharing their time to help neighbors in need by diverting food waste in landfills to help improve the quality of the air we breathe.

What is something you did during your service that makes you proud? 

During my service, I was most proud of reaching for opportunities to speak about the optimistic outlook gained through the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship to those who may have never heard of the program.

I got to speak in a promotional video, at an Earth Day event in Sacramento and a Climate Change Preparedness Conference in Washington, D.C, and lastly, during a presidential address on historic climate action.

Every opportunity, big or small, was significant for me because I could spread the word that anyone who is passionate, concerned, and driven to protect our environment can come together with others and make an impact in their local organizations. 

How has your California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) experience inspired the next steps in your career or education? 

At the beginning of this program, I was not as confident with my voice and speaking skills or using them to promote the work of my site (White Pony Express) and explain what CCAC does.

The more I began to understand that climate action can take place in so many ways, focused on diverse but equally valuable concerns or issues, the more confident I grew that being able to talk about climate action is a valuable skill, and role that anyone can take.

Knowing this, I want to work in a climate field and continue to advocate about climate action to as many individuals as possible.

What are your plans after service? What are your career/educational goals (e.g., your “dream” job)? 

After service, I plan on using my skills and creativity to help organizations or companies educate the public about how they are helping the environment.
At times, marketing seems like a double-edged sword, promoting consumption through a sustainable lens. I want to do just the opposite — use marketing to discourage consumption, instead promoting a mentality of consciousness for the durability, longevity, and health of the environment (in addition to us).

My dream job would be coming up with creative, witty, educational messages to inspire others to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.