During my time with OSEJ, I was able to contribute to various regional sustainability initiatives such as the Regional Decarbonization Framework (RDF) and Water Ways Report. Connecting with community members and discussing their climate challenges and priorities was one of the parts of my time with OSEJ that I enjoyed the most. As part of the team planning the “Community Climate Conversations” in June and July 2024, I had the opportunity to help co-develop outreach events with trusted community-based organizations and facilitate discussions with residents and community leaders from across the region. During the discussions, I learned about the great number of strengths and assets in communities throughout the county and solutions participants would like to see. This opportunity to work with organizations and stakeholders helped me better understand the organizational sustainability and environmental justice landscape in the region and to make professional and personal connections.

Additionally, I supported efforts to establish roundtables that informed the Food Justice Community Action Plan, which will be presented to the Board of Supervisors this winter. The community input we collected during these roundtables and online showed that there are many ways the County can support and elevate existing programs and services to improve food justice and food security throughout the region.

In my year at OSEJ, I did not only learn about County processes and systems but also about the diversity and cultural wealth of the San Diego region. I was able to expand my facilitation and organizing skills and to gain knowledge about the unique communities and features of the region. This knowledge will help me to hopefully continue being of service to communities in my future career endeavors because after all, as the County’s motto says, “The noblest motive is the public good.”