One of GROWs key missions is to attract women to our company and industry. For many of us, much of our daily routines have something to do with science, technology engineering/architecture, and math. With that said, it only makes sense to team with girls STEM programs to spread the word and plant seeds to grow future team members.
In April, a group of four women representing three BrightView divisions (Design, Development, and Landscape Services) shared their passion with a group of 3rd – 8th grade girls and their mothers at the Keystone Science School in Keystone, Colorado. We presented “GIRLS IN STEM: Landscape Design and Architecture” - and they all showed up with energy and a willingness to learn. The day was filled with games, planting flower and vegetable seeds, learning the design process and gaining an understanding of who landscape architects are, what they do and what types of spaces they design. All was followed by the participants working on the design of a space they brought with them.
It was great to see the girl’s (and mom’s) faces light up as they began to understand more about the possibilities of this career and the many others the landscape industry and BrightView have to offer. Not only were we able to highlight the role of a landscape architecture, we also took turns sharing our own personal journeys and the career paths we have taken to get there - landscape architects and designers, marketing, business development, project directing, estimating, account managing, and plant procurement.
For me this was a memorable experience. It is not often that we team and cross the BV lines within our own company, let alone share a day with a group of young ladies who may someday have a career in the green industry. It was great to see these young minds get so much out of the opportunity. It was also wonderful to spend the day with new BrightView friends. We are connected through this experience and I am sure will continue to team, network and enjoy our new found relationships.
Thank you to Kate Douglas Kestyn (Associate, BVDG), Taylor Connell (Associate Project Manager, BVLD), and Erin Erin Goulet (Purchasing Agent, BVLD) for helping make it a great day. And if you would like to present a similar program to a school or program in your community, please contact Kate at kate.kestyn@brightview or 303-640-5202 for more information.
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The following position are currently in need of volunteers:
Dress for Success Local Liaisons – GROW is seeking several bleeding hearts who want to explore partnership opportunities with local Dress for Success branches. To learn more, contact Heather Fritton. 