We’re excited to announce that Izzy Redmond has started as our new AmeriCorps VISTA Education and Community Coordinator! We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Izzy on board to help lead community engagement efforts and strengthen Green Living Science's mission to educate and empower Detroit residents about sustainability and waste reduction.
A Passion for Sustainability and Community
Izzy brings a strong passion for sustainability and community-driven change, rooted in her deep love of nature. Having spent much of her life immersed in the outdoors, she understands the profound connection between a healthy environment and a thriving community. This connection fuels her desire to take on this role, where she can inspire others to embrace eco-friendly practices and recognize their collective responsibility to protect the planet.
Izzy also has a deep love for working with kids and is especially passionate about empowering youth to become environmental leaders. She believes that the next generation holds the key to creating lasting change, and she is committed to providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to make a difference. In her new position, she will help develop and implement educational programs that foster environmental awareness, with a focus on waste reduction and sustainable living practices. Izzy will work directly with local schools, community members, and partners to design and deliver engaging, hands-on learning experiences that teach the importance of recycling, conserving resources, and protecting the environment for future generations. Through these efforts, she hopes to inspire young people to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future.
AmeriCorps VISTA: A Unique Opportunity for Service
The AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program is a national service initiative designed to help organizations build their capacity to address community needs and alleviate poverty. But what does that really mean? In short, it’s about making a big difference in communities by strengthening organizations and creating lasting solutions. As part of this program, VISTA members serve in roles that build sustainability, foster community engagement, and create long-term change.
As a VISTA member, Izzy will do just that! Her focus will be strengthening the infrastructure of Green Living Science—building strategic partnerships, enhancing program effectiveness, and expanding outreach across the city. However, Izzy’s work will also help build our capacity to increase hands-on education, teaching Detroit’s youth and community members about the importance of sustainability and eco-friendly practices, in and outside of the classroom.
Why is this important? Well, these efforts are the foundation of long-term community engagement. By creating a network of partners and developing strong, sustainable programs, Izzy will help ensure that Detroit’s environmental movement keeps growing, with lasting impacts on the city’s future. It's an exciting opportunity for her to contribute to shaping a greener, more sustainable Detroit for generations to come.
Background and Experience
Izzy’s journey into the field of sustainability and environmental justice is rooted in her passion to help build a more equitable world for everyone. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology from Arizona State University, where she initially set her sights on becoming a marine biologist. However, as she advanced in her studies, Izzy discovered the deep connection between environmental science and social issues, which led her to shift her focus toward the intersection of environmental sustainability and social equity. This shift ignited her passion for environmental justice, as she realized that the most vulnerable communities often bear the brunt of environmental harm and that lasting solutions require addressing both ecological and social factors.
Izzy’s time with Green Living Science started over a year ago when she first became familiar with the organization's work in promoting sustainability and waste reduction in Detroit! She interned twice with Green Living Science and then moved on to become our Pre-K Educator teaching in-class lessons about recycling to the littlest learners. Izzy’s experience with Green Living Science reaffirmed her belief in the power of education to inspire positive change and deepen community connections. She is deeply committed to using education as a tool to empower individuals to take action toward environmental sustainability.
Get to Know Izzy
When she’s not working to create positive change through recycling education, Izzy leads an active life outside of the office. She spent 17 years as a gymnast landing her a spot on the ASU Gymnastics team in college, and to this day still enjoys to cartwheel and flip when she can. After her competitive gymnastics career, she continued to stay involved in the sport by coaching gymnastics, where she helped Kindergarten through high school athletes develop not only their physical abilities but also their confidence and resilience.
Outside of her professional and athletic endeavors, Izzy enjoys a variety of hobbies that keep her balanced and connected with her personal passions. She is an avid music lover, spending time listening to everything from cinematic rock to contemporary indie bands, classical orchestra, and alternative folk. Izzy also enjoys reading books, unwinding with her favorite TV shows, and learning to play the bass guitar, a hobby she’s excited to continue improving. But perhaps her greatest joy comes from spending time with her one-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever named Elliot.
A Bright Future Ahead
Izzy is eager to bring her experience, passion, and commitment to Green Living Science and its mission. With her at the helm of the Education and Community Coordinator role, we’re confident that Green Living Science will continue to expand its footprint in the Detroit area, inspiring individuals, families, and schools to embrace sustainability in a meaningful way.
The future of Detroit is bright with leaders like Izzy taking charge, and we look forward to seeing how her efforts will help Green Living Science create a more sustainable community.
Are you as excited as we are to see the positive impact Izzy will have on the Detroit community? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to Green Living Science to learn how you can get involved!
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