Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Howell-Edwards. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Jessica Howell-Edwards is a lifelong Georgian, a DeKalb County resident, and mom of four (including a set of twins).
Jessica first visited Georgia’s southernmost barrier island more than 25 years ago on a high school field trip. She’s been going back as often as possible ever since and says she understands how our relationships with a place can deepen, and evolve, over time.
That’s actually how she came to be the Executive Director of Wild Cumberland, a grassroots nonprofit that’s focused on the protection of Cumberland Island.
“When you love something, you feel a responsibility to protect it,” says Howell-Edwards.
Jessica leads a team comprised entirely by volunteers in their mission to ensure the Seashore remains protected.
That’s because, despite its designation as both a National Seashore and federally-protected Wilderness, Cumberland Island continues to face threats: ranging from rocket launches and private development to changes in use proposed by its own managing agency, the National Park Service.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the impacts that individuals, and groups of like-minded people, can make in our society,” Howell-Edwards says.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Civic engagement is hard work, no matter how someone comes into it — but it can have profound, long-term impacts on both individuals and our communities.
Grassroots organizations tend to mobilize people around a common goal, and typically with very little funding! It takes perseverance, creativity, and humility to learn from our mistakes.
We have taken several unique approaches to our work – first, we are a completely volunteer-run organization. That definitely has its own implications, challenges, and rewards.
Secondly, we have embraced technology and social media in an effort to help bridge a gap in generational knowledge and stewardship.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a background in journalism, advertising, and direct marketing. I’ve championed many a cause in my career, but I feel so humbled to work with this incredible team of people – really, some of the greatest minds and most empathetic people I’ve ever encountered.
Our team of volunteers draws upon scientific, research, policy, and media expertise — all of which are integral to facilitating public understanding of the value and vulnerability of our state’s coastal natural resources.
Each of these individuals have their own full-time jobs, families, hobbies, and community commitments…yet they regularly go above and beyond to help Wild Cumberland achieve its mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wildcumberland.org
- Instagram: @wild_cumberland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildcumberland.org?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabhowell
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildcumberland1018
Image Credits
Photos: Jessica Howell-Edwards/Wild Cumberland
