Mac6 Coworking Space
During my tenure at Mac6, I had the privilege of taking charge as the supervisor in a remarkable transformation project. Leading a dedicated team, we successfully converted a barren parking lot into a flourishing edible landscape. By eliminating the Zeroscape, we breathed new life into the space, transforming it into a vibrant community garden that yields a bounty of fresh produce. This undertaking allowed us to merge sustainability with community engagement, empowering individuals to reconnect with nature and cultivate their own food. It was an incredible journey, and I am proud to have played a pivotal role in creating a thriving, sustainable oasis within the heart of our community.
Brook’s People’s Garden
At Brook's People's Garden, we embarked on a transformative journey by converting a middle school playground into a thriving community garden. Our vision was to create a space that not only beautified the campus but also promoted sustainability and food education. As a key contributor to this project, I played a vital role in designing an efficient irrigation system and coordinating the dedicated staff. The impact of our efforts reached beyond the school as the campus now hosts the offices of several nonprofit organizations. The community garden has become an integral part of their daily activities, fostering a sense of love and care for the environment.
Garden of Tomorrow
Nestled near the heart of South Mountain, Arizona, the Garden of Tomorrow stands as a thriving community garden. As the manager of this remarkable space, I have been entrusted with numerous responsibilities. One of my primary focuses has been implementing an integrated pest management system to ensure the health and vitality of our plants while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals. Additionally, I have diligently tracked and monitored all garden-related systems, from soil health to irrigation efficiency, to optimize our operations. Coordinating volunteers and community outreach has been a rewarding part of my position, with large-scale volunteer opportunities engaging up to 120 individuals.
Spaces of Opportunity
Situated on a sprawling 20-acre expanse, Space of Opportunity is a visionary community farm project that serves as a haven for local community members, nonprofit organizations, farmers, and growers alike. Within this remarkable initiative, individuals have the opportunity to rent parcels of land, allowing them to cultivate their own produce. As a dedicated member of the team, my role has revolved around teaching growers the principles of sustainable farming, and guiding them through the process of nurturing, cultivating, and harvesting their crops. In addition to my instructional responsibilities, I have also had the privilege of contributing to the land management team, overseeing general upkeep and landscaping tasks within this vibrant community farm.
Escalante Community Garden
Nestled in the vibrant city of Tempe, Arizona, the Escalante Community Garden exemplifies the spirit of giving and sustainability. Serving as a donation-based garden, Escalante plays a pivotal role in providing fresh and sustainable food to local food banks, and supporting programs like Meals on Wheels. It has been my great pleasure to contribute to the upkeep team, ensuring the smooth operation of this thriving garden. From tending to landscaping needs to the meticulous tasks of seeding, transplanting, and harvesting the diverse array of produce, I have been actively involved in nurturing the growth of these plants.
Nina Mason Pulliam Audubon Center
Situated in South Phoenix, Arizona, the Nina Mason Pulliam Audubon Center stands as a remarkable avian and reptilian habitat. As a dedicated member of the team, my role has primarily focused on land maintenance, ensuring the upkeep of biking, running, and walking trails. Alongside my colleagues, I have worked tirelessly to restore and preserve wildlife habitats within the center. Additionally, I have actively participated in the conservation efforts of native species specific to Phoenix, Arizona. This ongoing project, which has spanned over a year, has been a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment. I am honored to continue being a part of this dedicated team as we embark on another year of preserving and nurturing this invaluable habitat for avian and reptilian species.
MAA Wellness Plant-Based Cooking Classes
Within the holistic and wellness rehabilitation center, MAA Wellness, I had the opportunity to host plant-based educational cooking classes as part of their comprehensive approach to healing. From the savory delights of vegetable fried rice to the comforting flavors of vegan chili and even the creation of a delectable vegan tuna alternative, the classes focused on nourishing the body and mind through wholesome, plant-based cuisine. It was truly fulfilling to witness the participants' enthusiasm and their newfound understanding of how a vibrant, plant-based diet can contribute to their overall well-being and recovery. Being able to bridge the gap between gardening and culinary arts, I helped foster a deeper connection between individuals and the natural world while empowering them with practical skills for a healthier lifestyle.
Mountain Park Health Center
Mountain Park Health Center is a compassionate nonprofit health center dedicated to serving low/no-income families in need. As part of my involvement with Grow Space LLC, I have had the privilege of implementing a unique curriculum at Mountain Park that focuses on addiction recovery through gardening. Recognizing the therapeutic benefits of working with plants and being immersed in nature, we have created a program that harnesses the power of gardening to support individuals in their journey towards recovery.
City of Phoenix Backyard Gardens
As a project coordinator for the City of Phoenix Backyard Garden Project, I had the privilege of spearheading an initiative that aimed to empower and educate members of our local community. This project involved the construction and installation of garden beds, provided free of charge, to individuals in the Phoenix area. Working closely with a dedicated team, I coordinated staff, managed the procurement of necessary supplies, and oversaw the successful implementation of the project.