Pinpointing where my journey to my current role began is nearly impossible. When reflecting on my path to environmental education, a key moment for me was when I became a teen volunteer at my local zoo. At age thirteen, I began helping with educational programming around wildlife and conservation. This fostered my already present love for the environment, which led to me pursuing a degree in Zoology with a minor in Education. I worked at various zoos, a science center, and joined clubs where I could continue to explore the field of environmental education. After college, I accepted a grant funded position as a Zoo Educator where I taught zoo-based education to inner-city middle schoolers. During the pandemic, I had to pivot and ended up as a naturalist with state parks where I get to continue to be an environmental educator every day.

My journey into environmental education and community engagement was shaped by my passion for sustainability and youth development. Growing up in eastern Sierra Leone, I witnessed firsthand the environmental degradation challenges that communities faced due to unsustainable mining activities and limited access to quality education. This fueled my desire to create change, leading me to co-found LEAD Sierra Leone, a youth-led organization focused on empowering youth and promoting environmental education.

A key turning point in my journey was being selected for programs like the Africa Matters Ambassadors program and the MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship, where I had the opportunity to refine my skills in leadership and environmental advocacy. Later, through opportunities like the EE 30 Under 30 award and the CEE-Change Fellowship, I gained access to tons of resources and hands-on experience working with international organizations and learning innovative ways to mobilize communities for environmental action.

Today, I work to integrate environmental education into schools and community programs, ensuring that young people have the knowledge and tools to drive sustainable change.

Throughout my life, I have received many invaluable words of advice, but one that has been at the heart of what I do more recently is the advice I received when nervous about a presentation for other educators. One of the fellow environmental educators looked at me and said, “Everybody here wants to see you succeed.” I looked around the room at the many educators with much more experience than I and shifted that viewpoint to see how excited they were to learn something new from me. This simple advice is a constant reminder that no matter how I am feeling or thinking that there are people out there supporting me and the work I am doing. In turn, know that I and other educators out there are supporting you!

One piece of advice that has guided me is "Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can." Too often, we wait for the perfect moment or the right resources before taking action. But in reality, every small step matters. Whether it’s volunteering, joining networks, or initiating small projects, those early experiences add up and help shape your path.

Another valuable lesson I’ve learned is the power of mentorship and networking. The environmental education field thrives on collaboration, and connecting with like-minded individuals can open doors to opportunities you might never have imagined.

Young Professionals inspire me each and every day. Working with them is a cause I am passionate about for many reasons. Young Professionals come with new perspectives and creativity. We are also innovative. Much of my journey to where I am comes from a young professional telling me as a zoo camper to consider applying for the teen volunteer program. Thus, I strive to inspire others to pursue the paths they are passionate about. Additionally, I am drawn to other young professionals because they are learning, growing, and facing the same challenges I am. When we have a network of support, such as this eePRO group, we create a space to thrive within a supportive space together. 

I’m excited to be part of this group because I truly believe in the potential of young professionals to drive meaningful change. This space provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to learn, share ideas, and support one another in navigating the challenges and opportunities of environmental education.

My goal as a moderator is to help foster a collaborative and inspiring environment where we can discuss innovative ideas, share resources, and uplift one another in our professional journeys. I look forward to learning from all of you and working together to build a strong and supportive community!