Jade Nguyen

Jade Nguyen (she/her) is a first-generation, west coast first-born daughter of refugees.  First in her family to attend a four-year college and to attend graduate school, she identifies as a life-long learner who hopes to inspire that same thirst for knowledge and penchant for curiosity and wonder in others. A fascination with the natural world led her to the environmental field and her own inclination towards being justice-minded shapes her approach to her work.

A skilled facilitator, Jade is certified in Diversity and Inclusion through Cornell University. She has experience interfacing and working with a variety of audiences including the general public, school-aged children, policymakers, and corporate executives. In addition to holding positions in the academic and non-profit sectors, her past experience includes working in the Education department of such organizations as the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Kidspace, and the California Science Center, where she has developed and executed science-based programs and curricula.

Jade’s academic interests and background includes the exploration of ethnobotany. She has a BA in Biology from Occidental College and an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on Environmental Restoration and Education from Sonoma State University. Her senior thesis concentration was on Endemism and Medicinal plants in the Biodiversity Hotspots of India.

Jade is influenced by her spiritual background in Buddhism and values the practice of holding compassion. She currently works as an Equity Capacity Builder and Program Assistant with the Natural Resources Defense Council.