Welcoming Judy Lin to NatureBridge!
Each year, we strive to serve more kids and create memorable experiences for our students. As we launch the National Environmental Science Center in Yosemite National Park and expand our campus in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a band of exceptional leaders is needed to help lead the way for a new era of NatureBridge, one that requires courage, individuality and tenacity.
That’s where Judy Lin comes in. After six years at KIPP Atlanta (Knowledge is Power Program), a public charter school network, Judy has joined the NatureBridge senior leadership team as Chief Operating Officer. Judy brings extensive leadership experience in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations across a wide variety of industries. As Chief Operating Officer for KIPP Atlanta Schools, she led the organization through growth from two to eight schools and oversaw all areas of business and school operations.
Chasing the Tradewinds #
Beyond her leadership capabilities, Judy offers a unique perspective rooted in a life-changing sabbatical she embarked on years ago.
Mid-career, Judy dropped everything and joined a French sailing crew, chasing the tradewinds from the Caribbean to the South Pacific. Judy traveled 10,000 miles over 12 months from the Caribbean through the Panama Canal to the South Pacific islands. Sailing 21 days across the Pacific Ocean without seeing land, exploring deserted islands in the middle of nowhere and swimming with marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands were once-in-a-lifetime experiences that changed her life perspective forever.
Connecting to nature in such an immersive way and witnessing the impact that we as humans have on our planet, in even the most far flung and remote places, stuck with her. Now a mother of two young boys, Judy hopes to instill the same appreciation for our natural world in her own kids. Ages 6 and 7, her children travel with her and her husband all over the world and each already have many passport stamps to show for it.
Loving the Outdoors #
Judy’s interest in the outdoors started with family car camping trips in the Midwest and evolved into backpacking adventures with college friends in the Rocky Mountains to hiking the W in Patagonia with her husband Dave. Her family went on a big hike this summer in the Canadian Rockies that culminated at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking a glacier that has receded incredibly over the span of just 20-30 years—a striking sign of the importance of NatureBridge’s mission.
“Seeing the effects of climate change firsthand with my kids was hugely impactful,” Judy shared. “I loved the opportunity to start the conversation about environmental stewardship with them at an early age.”
Judy hopes to help guide the organization effectively and efficiently into the future so that NatureBridge can continue to connect more young people to the wonder and science of the natural world.
I’m excited to be part of a dynamic organization that inspires stewardship of the planet and collaborate with a team that embodies our mission of making a difference in the world and in the lives on young people.Judy Lin, NatureBridge Chief Operating Officer
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.