I am graduating from the School for International Training with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development with a focus in Community Development. I am exploring my options with obtaining a LEED certification, and also the HERS certification. Currently I work at Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market Tennessee. My work with this organization is part of my degree. I must complete a practice phase after my classroom phase.

My work with Highlander consists of support work with the Education Team, and also research and development work with the Building and Grounds Team. Recently they purchased eighty acres in addition to the one hundred and six acres that they already held. Now the board of directors is pushing for this land to be developed in a sustainable manor and what their options are within sustainability. My work with Buildings and Grounds is to explore those options and look for funding sources. I am also developing their sustainability program. I am working with them on energy efficiency, alternative energies, and also food security. My original position within the organization is to support the anti-oppression work that Highlander focuses on, but my passion lies in sustainability, and I am trying to educate the staff on the intersection of sustainability and racial and economic justice. Most of the staff does not have a background in this area, so I have had to break it down in terms of dollars and sense.

I would like to find a position as a sustainability consultant, or a sustainability coordinator to assist companies and organizations to become greener, and more viable in the future. I approach sustainability in terms of a triple bottom line in business, and I would like to align this perspective with a company that is trying to grow profits and also a loyal customer base. My previous work as an organizer is an asset to this field because the consumer dictates the sustainability field, and I am eager to incorporate their feedback into my suggestions.