Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Bright.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Maine and love its natural beauty—from the shores to the mountains we had a lot of places to explore outside. Nature has always been a big part of my life.
When I relocated to San Diego, I was a fashion industry executive with an internationally recognized brand. For 20 years I enjoyed this career, helping people look and feel their best for those moments in life that matter; making memories that are photographed; I assisted people in their style and design.
Our company became more involved in giving back. I directed the corporate responsibility program which put me in contact with nonprofit organizations we would benefit. I started to see the opportunities where my skill sets were now being directed to be of service to others, to nature, and it deepened my resolve to make a bigger difference.
Some of the best experiences I coordinated included campaign drives for families and women who needed basic necessities, such as diapers, suits for interviews, and other key things most of us take for granted. I organized cleanups in parks with neighborhood families which brought them outside to make an impact.
After 20 years in the world of haute couture fashion, and with health issues I needed to resolve, I decided to semi-retire and planned a month sojourn along the John Muir Trail. I was solo in this journey, I met others on the trail with their inspirations—all of us different, but similarly called—and it made this month a critical turning point in my life.
During this month of hiking, I thought deeply about what my legacy would be. My partner and I had decided not to have children. I was in a career turning point. I contemplated, What is next in life?
In my trail experiences I realized three basic necessities. If I had health, shelter, and food—that’s all I really needed. My new career in the nonprofit sector may not be comparably paced with salaries in the corporate fashion world, but my mind was set to make a difference based on the basics of my journey.
I returned to volunteer at my favorite social justice nonprofit in South Bay and launched two key campaigns that the nonprofit could use to embolden its impacts. I was hired and enjoyed the momentum.
I then transferred to work for a nonprofit focused on getting its community outside on the trails and parks—neighborhoods in socioeconomically challenged areas of San Diego surrounded by green space—but overcoming fears of nature—and lives absent of nature—presented my challenge that is core to my mission today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m a natural leader, I suppose, because I know what I need and how to meditate to be thankful and to question and imagine the future. I love working with people and when I see patches that can be mended in any challenge, I’m up for delivering the solution.
When I returned from the John Muir Trail, I had originally wanted a position with a little less responsibility so that I could explore more in life without the overtime hours.
My challenge is that never happened, and that is okay! In my current position as Communications + Development Director for Nature Collective I fully embrace our present and future work.
Nature Collective exists to drive a passion for nature, for all. We believe that if we help people discover a passion for nature, they will want to protect and value everything it has to offer.
Because Nature Collective is core to my spirit, I almost feel called to be here. I have had the leadership support to help steer our organization into a strategic planning process. We developed our brand, changing our former name, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, to a name that challenges us to go broad and reach deeper and farther: Nature Collective.
Our board of directors understand this growth and have been vital in moving us forward. The founders of our organization were change makers who collectively gathered to save a lagoon from many challenges of commercial and residential development decades ago.
Change is rarely easy and it takes a team, a village, to help others understand where we are, what our strengths are, and how we can all grow them. I give a lot of credit to where I am today through the mentors I have had in my life, and at Nature Collective.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Nature Collective is a nonprofit land trust headquartered in Encinitas, California. We exist to drive a passion for nature, for all. We believe that if we help people discover a passion for nature, they will want to protect and value everything it has to offer. We are formerly known as San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy.
Nature Collective provides perfect places for immersing yourself in nature, spending time with others, and even having a solo outing. On the trails we own, and co-manage at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, you can get away from it all.
As a team of scientists and nature enthusiasts helping to preserve San Diegan lands, including the San Elijo Lagoon, we welcome you to learn more – and visit soon.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Nature Collective is a nonprofit land trust and managing partner for the 1000-acre San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, along with County of San Diego Parks + Recreation, and California Department of Fish + Wildlife
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thenaturecollective.org
- Phone: 760-436-3944
- Email: info@thenaturecollective.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sdnaturecollective
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sdnaturecollective
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/sd_nature
- Other: www.thenaturecollective.org/blog/
Image Credit:
Images Courtesy Nature Collective (not Jennifer Bright’s photos)
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