The text and images on this page are available for use to support media coverage of the SFI-PLT-MANRRS Black Faces in Green Spaces: The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers guide.
The Black Americans spotlighted in the Journeys guide have given their permission to share the below quotes, photos, and contact information to support articles and other media coverage about Journeys.
Please note that all content on this page is © copyright 2023, The Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Media Contacts
- Jerri Taylor
Director of Diversity in Career Pathways
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative
202-936-5254
[email protected] - Christine Leduc
VP, Communications and Government Relations
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative
613-706-1114
[email protected]
Quotes and Contact Information for the Guide’s Spotlighted Black Professionals in Green Careers
1.) Asia L. Dowtin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Urban and Community Forestry, Department of Forestry
Michigan State University
517-355-2380
[email protected]
Quote 1:
“I think this guide may serve as an accessible, visible reminder to Black professionals already working in the space that we are not alone,” said Dr. Asia L. Dowtin, Assistant Professor of Urban and Community Forestry, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University. “Although dispersed across the globe and among our different spheres of influence, we are all part of a grounded network united by our shared commitment to do work that both advances the well-being of our communities and the forests in which we live, work, and play.”
Quote 2:
“This guide would have undoubtedly been influential to me as a young aspiring forester. Part of the reason I committed to the dream of being a meteorologist for so long was because I had seen consistent representation of a Black woman role models that I looked up to, to shape my then-intended career trajectory,” said Dr. Asia L. Dowtin, Assistant Professor of Urban and Community Forestry, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University. “When I switched into forestry, part of what helped me to stay planted in this field was being able to look to Black role models in the field that were living out the career that I’d envisioned for myself. In both cases, being able to see the career I wanted to have being modeled so well by folks who look like me was a tremendous motivator to keep pushing forward in the field. If I’d been able to see that in print, and keep that close to me consistently—as with this guide—it would have served as an even more powerful tool to keep me inspired to pursue work in this field and connect with more folks as mentors along the way.”
2.) Terry T. Baker
Chief Executive Officer
Society of American Foresters
202-938-3910
[email protected]
Quote 1:
“I’ve consistently heard from black students and their families that they had never heard of forestry as a profession. That served as a major inspiration for my participation in the creation of this guide. I am hopeful that it will serve as one of many tools to reach diverse audiences and demystify career opportunities in forestry and natural resources.”
Quote 2:
“This collection of professionals and their stories and experiences is awe inspiring. It not only represents to black communities that they can be amazing leaders in this sector, but shows the entire sector that there are growing numbers of black leaders and gives them insights about how to attract and retain them.”
3.) Lydia Kidane
Environmental Protection Specialist (Grants Project Officer)
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
202-765-3651
[email protected]
Quote 1:
“Often, black students are not taught about the career opportunities in the green sector. This guide gives students and their families the opportunity to explore a new career journey in forestry and natural resources from people who look like them,” said Lydia Kidane, Coordinator, Education Programs, Project Learning Tree, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental education. “Youth interested in working in the forestry and natural resources sector will get to learn about 22 Black professionals who have shared their journeys to their green careers. This guide can be used as a blueprint to help interested young people navigate their own paths to their dream green careers.”
Quote 2:
“Black professionals find themselves one of few—and sometimes the only—person of color working in green spaces. I hope that the Journeys guide will inspire Black professionals currently working in green spaces to continue to advance their work in their green jobs and know that there are others in the sector who share interests, experiences, and challenges, just like them,” said Lydia Kidane, Coordinator, Education Programs, Project Learning Tree, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental education.
4.) Jasmine K. Brown
Doctoral Student, Department of Forestry
Michigan State University
517-355-2380
[email protected]
Quote:
“I wish something similar to Journeys existed when I was younger,” said Jasmine K. Brown, a doctoral student in the Department of Forestry and Michigan State University. “In high school, I had no idea what forestry was, but I knew that climate change was scary and plants were cool. My mom let me have a vegetable garden, and that was the first time I thought about a green career. I’m firm believer in the saying, ‘If you can see it, you can be it.’ I wasn’t exposed to Black Americans in green spaces, and that was a stumbling block for me and my family when it came to career possibilities.”
5.) Beattra Wilson
Assistant Director for Urban and Community Forestry
USDA Forest Service
[email protected]
Quote:
“This partnership between SFI and MANNRS reflects the USDA Forest Service’s mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating a diverse workforce as we seek to grow the next generation of conservation stewards that reflect our society,” said Beattra Wilson, Assistant Director for Urban and Community Forestry, USDA Forest Service.
For more photos, digital posters, and more supporting materials, please visit plt.org/journeys.