My Background
Hi, I’m Emily – Welcome to My Sustainability Journey!
I’m so glad you’re here! Growing up in Southeastern Ohio, I spent my childhood exploring nature. My family of four (plus a lot of pets!) lived next to my grandparents, so my summers were filled with adventures. I spent my time hiking through Hocking Hills State Park, playing in the surrounding woods, or gardening with my parents. Family trips to National Parks across the U.S. deepened my love for the outdoors and inspired me to protect these special places.
I moved to Pittsburgh for college, where I studied Environmental Studies, Political Science, and Sustainability. What a culture shock! I quickly got involved in the Students for Sustainability Club and interned with organizations like the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and PennEnvironment. These experiences fueled my passion for environmental advocacy.
After graduation, I moved to Vail, Colorado, for a six-month sustainability internship. That internship turned into a full-time job. I’m now able to grow my knowledge and work in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Living in Vail has been an amazing journey, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you. Join me as I explore eco-friendly living, nature adventures, and how we can all make a positive impact on the environment.
Zero Waste
Since moving to Colorado, my sustainability career has been an incredible journey. I began as a sustainability intern, and in just six months, I transitioned into the role of Zero Waste Lead. Here, I organized zero waste services for events of all sizes. These included the Birds of Prey Downhill Ski Race at Beaver Creek and the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail. Managing waste for 80,000 guests, vendors, and event staff is no small feat, but it taught me invaluable lessons in sustainability communication and the importance of education for all ages.
I was honored to receive the Cara Russell Rising Star Award from Recycle Colorado, a statewide nonprofit that promotes circular economies and advances recycling efforts across Colorado. This recognition highlighted my dedication to promoting sustainable practices in the community.
After two years as Zero Waste Lead, I moved into a new role as Sustainability Coordinator. I managed a federal EPA Grant project, where I worked to expand recycling access and develop programs for Spanish-speaking and other priority communities in our county. This role reinforced my commitment to making sustainability accessible to all.
What Else?
Outside of my 9 to 5, I’ve have an extensive list of hobbies to fit every season! Like any Coloradan, I love hiking and camping in the summer—be sure to check out my travel page for more insight into my favorite trails! Unlike the average Coloradan, I don’t ski! Instead, during the snowy winter months, you’ll find me snowshoeing on sunny days or cozied up in my studio apartment, baking high-altitude cakes and breads. Lately, I’ve been focusing on improving my interior decorating and sewing skills, while also dabbling in creative upcycling projects!
