Meet Jayde Grisham
What's your favorite aspect of working with our team?
I love being able to work with so many amazing partner organizations while also being able to collaborate across program areas and topics with my coworkers. Each person brings their own expertise and connections. Our team's multi-disciplinary approach to community education and outreach ensures we have a greater impact even with minimal resources. We stay grounded in our mission and vision with regular feedback and professional development.
What's one goal you hope to accomplish with the team this year?
I want to work together to develop a better network for youth gardening/outdoor volunteerism in our community and school gardens- whether that will involve developing a new training program or starting a club with 4-H or connecting community organizations that are already doing this.
What motivates you to do your best work every day?
I get to see all of the cool things other people are doing and I want to be able to do that work too (both from teammates and from other universities, community partners, etc). We have a lot of fun doing our work, and I don't want to miss out on that joy.
What's one unique skill or hobby you bring to the team?
Sewing (pattern drafting/dressmaking).
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting in your field?
No one person has all the answers. Don't succumb to the pressure to be an expert on (what will feel like) everything. You don't the need to give perfect answers from the top of your head every time. And no amount of schooling or book-smarts can make one person's voice represent everyone. Be comfortable admitting you don't know. Instead, focus on using your voice to amplify the information that can best help others.If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Rachel Carson- author of Silent Spring. I would just like to get to know her as a feminist and as an early science communicator who started a movement. I'd want to get her feelings on intersectionality in the early environmental movement.
What's a book or podcast you'd recommend to your teammates?
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
