School of International Training

Environmental Leadership Program

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Wellesley College

Northeastern University

Program Manager, The Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP)

Brooklyn, New York, United States

the Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP)

Program Manager

Coordinate an interagency partnership between NYC Parks GreenThumb and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to provide technical assistance to 50 NYCHA community gardens across the five boroughs. Develop and implement project plan, timeline, and community engagement strategy for the GreenThumb-NYCHA partnership. Conduct site assessments, GIS analysis, and participatory visioning and garden design workshops. Manage special projects with academic and community partners to provide technical support to community gardens.

NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

Project Development Coordinator, GreenThumb

Executed a contract with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Brownsville Neighborhood Health Action Center to support the internal development of the Community District 16 Health and Wellness Stakeholders Group. Developed an 100-page training curriculum to build the internal capacity of the Community District 16 Health and Wellness Stakeholders Group and inform community-driven health equity initiatives in Brownsville. Co-facilitated weekly meetings and designed participatory activities to engage project stakeholders in curriculum development and project management.

Emerald Cities Collaborative

Consultant

Coordinated the Sunset Park Climate Justice Center, a community-based climate adaptation and resiliency planning initiative to promote equitable community responses to climate change. Implemented and developed strategies for climate adaptation projects and community resiliency efforts including emergency preparedness, green infrastructure, and vulnerability assessments. Created and facilitated political education and popular education workshops on a variety of topics related to climate change, environmental justice, urban planning, and land use. Represented UPROSE on local and national coalitions to draft policies and programs to promote climate justice, green infrastructure, renewable energy, and energy democracy. Coordinated the Protect Our Working Waterfront Alliance, a coalition of residents, small business owners, community organizations, labor organizations, faith leaders, and community development advocates to organize for community-led planning, industrial retention, and green jobs to mitigate against displacement and gentrification.

UPROSE INC

Climate Justice Policy & Programs Coordinator

Conducted research and analyzed data on climate change impacts on socioeconomic vulnerabilities, public health, and the economy for the agency’s climate vulnerability assessments and action plans.
Researched and developed strategies for engaging vulnerable populations in climate planning and integrating climate change preparedness into traditional municipal plans. Led project monitoring and evaluation to identify strengths, weaknesses, and new opportunities to implement the agency’s four strategic priorities (equity, climate change, smart growth, and regional collaboration). Provided technical assistance for municipal plans and regional projects, utilizing a social equity and environmental justice lens.

Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Regional Land Use Planner

Set long-term policies to ensure effectiveness of organization and oversee financial sustainability. Worked with development staff to host fundraising events and led donor campaigns. Coordinated and led Executive Transition Search Committee.

Alternatives for Community and Environment

Board Member

Researched retrofitting technologies for the impacts of flooding, wind, and extreme heat on housing stock. Analyzed the use of CDBG-DR, FEMA, and municipal funding in financing resiliency programs in NY and NJ. Conducted spatial analysis to identify HPD properties and block groups within the floodplain.

NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development

Resiliency Planning Intern

Researched the public health impacts of climate change and potential policy solutions/interventions. Created a role-play simulation game to engage community members in climate change adaptation planning. Coordinated community engagement with members of the business, faith, university, environmental, health, and real estate communities. Analyzed the influence of public health framing on support for various policy options.

MIT Science Impact Collaborative, Research Assistant

Conducted literature reviews of air quality studies and environmental justice issues in the Bronx, NY and literature reviews of environmental impact assessments of natural-gas fired combined heat and power plants. Analyzed a proposal for the siting of a natural-gas fired CHP plant in Hunt’s Point and summarized potential impacts on air quality and environmental health. Provided recommendations for community partners to minimize negative impacts on air quality.

MIT Community Innovators Lab, Research Assistant

Coordinated and led the Dirt Crew and Root Crew Youth Programs for 25 young people focusing on urban farm management, leadership development, food justice advocacy, and job readiness skills . Designed and implemented food justice and social justice curriculum. Organized work opportunities for agricultural fieldwork and volunteering at hunger relief organizations. Participated in agricultural operations including running local farmer’s markets, farm maintenance, farm operations, and building community gardens.

The Food Project

Youth Programs Supervisor (Massachusetts Promise Fellow)

Researched strategies for community-controlled land to promote food sovereignty and prevent displacement. Facilitated monthly team meetings and participated in community-based planning initiatives. Represented ACE as a member organization of the Dudley Real Food Hub and the Climate Justice Alliance.

Food & Land Team Member

Coordinated the Beach Sister program, in partnership with The Girls Incorporated of Lynn, to serve underrepresented girls by enhancing their scientific and environmental literacy. Developed environmental education curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school programs. Trained and supported teen peer leaders in lesson instruction, workshop facilitation, and community action projects. Facilitated workshops on climate science, coastal development, and environmental justice for youth and staff.

Northeastern University- Marine Science Center

Beach Sister Program Coordinator (Massachusetts Promise Fellow)

Former member of the executive board which managed event planning and logistics. Ensured that events to spread awareness of environmental issues to the Wellesley community included aspects of environmental justice.  Helped to ensure that all students could participate in events regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Wellesley Energy and Environmental Defense

Environmental Justice Chair

Collected data for a plant mortality study of New York City’s Greenstreets program.

Greenstreets Intern

Internship based in Rio Muchacho, Ecuador. Conducted a carbon footprint study on the energy consumption of visitors and farm operations.  Assisted with permaculture and sustainable agriculture activities through fieldwork.

Genea Foster