Liz Platte-Bermeo

Name: Liz Platte-Bermeo

Year of Graduation: May 2016

Degree: Environmental Studies, Conservation and Restoration

Internship(s): Naturalist Program at Fairfield Osborne Preserve and Director of Sustainability with Join Us Making Progress (JUMP)

Current position name and description: Senior Programs Coordinator with Daily Acts Organization. In this position I work to develop and foster community relationships and partnerships that allow our organization to host educational talks, tours, workshops and installations. Whenever possibly I am engaging and educating the public on opportunities to re-use resources, save water, and reduce stormwater pollution! While community engagement excites me the most, I also spend a good amount of time creating events, doing outreach, designing projects, and managing budgets.

How sustainability is incorporated into your position:  Daily Acts’ programs are focused on spreading solutions and models, that provide skills, tools and resources to conserve natural resources while growing food, medicine habitat and community. Working in the environmental realm can be exhausting when you are constantly trying to fight climate change, influence policy and educate. Daily Acts places a high value on staff and volunteer sustainability as well so whenever possible we take collective breaths, express gratitude and work to create a safe space for expression.

Best memory at SSU: Most memories with Associated Students and JUMP were so special. I would say that my favorite memory was my first year as Director of Sustainability and coordinating Earth Day. We worked with Students for Sustainability, the Campus Rec, the on-campus pre-school and many other partners to host a large earth celebration. This celebration included activities to learn about recycling and compost, there were a series of presenters and sustainability experts, a garden party at the campus garden, and an abundance of opportunities to connect, respects and learn about Mother Earth.