UC Master Gardener volunteers are rooted in their communities and enjoy sharing the gardening knowledge they possess to make a significant impact on the individuals and families in their neighborhood, city and county. In recognition of their efforts as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leaders, volunteers are nominated and acknowledged as "Gardeners with Heart" during National Volunteer month. Let's take a closer look at these Gardeners with Heart: Kimble Deleon Goodman, Maria Gutierrez-Garcia, Diane Hernandez, Michael Davis, Alesha Smith, and Dana Aguero, and the many ways in which they are making a difference every day!
Kimble Deleon Goodman
Kimble Deleon Goodman is a true asset to the UC Master Gardeners of Los Angeles County. Kimble generously volunteers weekly at a low-income senior citizen facility where he teaches people how to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables. He also spends many hours driving across all parts of Los Angeles County supporting fellow volunteers with their projects. Kimble has been an integral part of the UC Master Gardener Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, helping update the application and screening processes for inclusiveness. He has also organized and supported many DEI-oriented events, including special Juneteenth-focused events. Kimble's commitment has a positive impact on the diversity of new UC Master Gardener trainees, and the clientele the program serves. We are all better for his fantastic efforts.
Maria Gutierrez-Garcia
Maria Gutierrez-Garcia is a UC Master Gardener volunteer in Orange County who has made a significant impact on her community through her work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in gardening education. Maria initiated work with the Giving Farm at Westminster High School, a school that serves over 40% Hispanic and over 40% Asian students. The Giving Farm is a collaboration with Westminster High School, Orange County Food Bank, Solutions for Urban Agriculture, and the Orange County Farm Bureau. At the Giving Farm, they train students in livestock management and agriculture to help feed Orange County's food-insecure and underserved populations. In addition to her work with the Giving Farm, Maria has served as a bridge between the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County and community resource organizations to provide a diverse and underserved community with basic needs. Her youth garden support and work projects have helped create a community of gardeners who are passionate about promoting gardening education as a tool for positive change.
Diane Hernandez, Michael Davis, and Alesha Smith
Diane Hernandez, Michael Davis, and Alesha Smith work together to teach food gardening skills, interpersonal skills, and nutrition to adults with developmental disabilities in El Dorado County. The team adapts curriculum and delivers engaging learning opportunities at their local demonstration garden and on-site at their community partner's facility. Diane, Michael and Alesha have created real life experiences and learning for the people served. In doing this important work, this dream team has a positive impact on lives - not only are they learning about where and how their food comes from, but they have become healthier, happier and more productive people.
Dana Aguero
Dana Aguero is a passionate food gardener committed to using her skills to help provide sustainable gardening knowledge and produce to Sonoma County residents who want to improve food security. Dana volunteers every week at the UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County's demonstration garden, where she helps produce food for its food pantry and educates volunteers on food gardening. She is also developing a portable garden project, which will teach participants how to grow a food garden sustainably and inexpensively in a five-gallon bucket or container. The project is designed for county residents who do not have space for a garden, rent, or move frequently.
The UC Master Gardeners highlighted in this article are true role models, demonstrating the power of gardening as a tool for positive change. Their work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in gardening education has made gardening accessible to all and has helped individuals and communities improve their health and well-being. We are grateful for their service and commitment to making the world a better place.
About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart
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