We’re e to kick off this Earth Week by welcoming Cohort 22’s Eco-Hub Fellows, GCF graduates taking on a second term! Eco-hub Fellows serve as mentors and role models to new members, helping lead them in service while gaining practical experience in leading a group of their peers. They work closely with their Service Coordinator and other Program team staff to push the Eco-Hub vision forward and support in meeting each site’s goals and deliverables. Over the past year, Eco-Hub Fellows were critical in re-opening our farms and our partnership with Hester Street around resident engagement, which was foundational to the hubs and our ongoing planning. If you missed our last graduation, check out 2020-2021 Eco-Hub Fellow Steven Roig’s inspirational speech:
We asked our newest Eco-Hub Fellows: what are you looking forward to in your next term of service?
Justin / Nana Alexander
Graduating from Cohort 20 at the beginning of 2020 propelled me forward in my professional career, having laid out plans for school and work. It had been a long time since I felt like I had control of my life. After all the catastrophes of 2020, I have a new perspective on what my goals are and what they can be and I believe going through a more leadership-oriented term will continue to push me forward in my life and career choices. I’m looking forward to supporting the Corps Members in their development through the program and to re-discover my passion for helping the community through my service.
Shaquare Burnell
I am looking forward to seeing Cohort 22 become their better selves. Growing into a better leader is also what I’m looking forward to in being an Eco-Hub Fellow. Learning from my supervisors and Corps Members of Cohort 22 is something that I am excited about. Having the opportunity to see growth in myself and the Corps Members will be an amazing sight to see.
Niasia Kincy
My name is Niasia Kincy, and I’m looking forward to growing my leadership skills for my resume, helping the community, and spreading the teachings for residents to achieve peace within their developments. I look forward to gaining another education award for future training certifications. I look forward to helping NYCHA communities improve their developments. Mostly, I look forward to obtaining my green pants.
Jason Lorenzo
My name is Jason and I returned to do the second term because I want to continue improving on my leadership and public speaking skills. Secondly, helping the youth develop their own skills and watching them pick their own path is what I look forward to as an Eco-Hub Fellow.
Jeremiah Sanchez
I’m looking forward to building up my leadership skills even more and guide the Corps Members throughout my Eco-Hub Fellowship. I am also looking forward to giving the Corp Members some construction skills by the end of their term. Then, I also would guide them into working on professional development and doing mock interviews to prepare them for any future interviews. Finally, I’m most looking forward to when the Corp Members get exposed to outreach and experience all of the positive feedback from the residents to boost their confidence.
Maria Urena
What I’m looking forward to as an Eco-Hub Fellow is helping my community. If there is a way of helping and making it better – I want to be part of that change. I also want to get even more involved and experience in farming/agriculture, as it is something I always enjoyed. GCF is all about empowering young adults of color, teaching them how to use their voice for a greater path, and teaching them how to have a sustainable life. I just simply want to be a part of that and be a guide for young adults and be supportive and empower them to be the best version of themselves, especially if they look like me. Let them know that it doesn’t matter the color of your skin, your sexual preference, pronouns, or where you come from, we are always here for you because GCF is always a safe place.
Bodhi Wright
Working as an Eco-Hub fellow will give me the opportunity to learn new and important skills, and develop better leadership qualities. I am an artist, so while I love nature I can’t say I have a lot of experience with natural elements. Being able to work with plants will offer me a new perspective on art and how we use plants. Being able to work in Black neighborhoods will leave me with a sense of community and accomplishment. I believe that Eco-Hub Fellows is a good fit for me to learn and grow.