As Philadelphia Program Manager with the Student Conservation Associaiton (SCA), I manage a Youth Conservation Crew, ages 14-18, Spring, Summer, and Fall, based in Philadelphia, PA, as well as a Reading Conservation Corps, ages 18+, Spring to Summer, based in Reading, PA. In both programs, young people or young adults are equipped with training amd knowledge to steward local urban ecosystems through invasive species management, trail maintenance, tree planting and maintenance, urban gardening planting and maintenance, and litter clean-up. Additionally, the programs support the holistic development of Crew Members and Leaders through environmental education, professional development, socioemotional development, leadership, and environmental recreation.

As a 2025 NAAEE CEE-Change Fellow, I am working to improve pathways for Philadelphia-based young people to entry-level green jobs in the City. I hope to create a coalition and network of environmental employers and leaders of environmental teen programming to better connect and mentor our young people into finding, retaining, and thriving in meaningful and sustainable jobs in their communities.