Jaclyn Jezik, Coordinator, St. Louis Green Business Challenge
Green Schools Committee Member since 2018
Description of your work in green building:
I’m the Coordinator for the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, which is a program of the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Challenge assists companies with integrating sustainable measures into daily business operations. Participants identify and adopt strategies that improve financial performance and reduce environmental impacts, while engaging employees toward both workplace and community benefits.
Sustainability passion:
“Be a lamp, a lifeboat, or a ladder” (-Rumi)…. That’s my life motto. It also hangs above my desk. So the best days are ones where I can provide education, resources, or tools to give others agency in taking environmental action. I love meeting people where they are on their sustainability journey, empowering them to become changemakers.
What inspired you to get involved with a Missouri Gateway Green Building Council committee, and what drew you to your specific committee?
When I learned about the opportunity to volunteer as a Green Schools Quest (GSQ) mentor in 2016, I hopped on it. Working with children on a sustainability project (especially at our own elementary school) was a win-win. I realized there was an opportunity to be more involved in shaping and growing the GSQ program through committee work. In 2018, I joined the Green Schools Committee and I’m still serving on it eight years later!
Can you share a memorable experience or project from your time on the committee that had a meaningful impact on you or the community?
In reality, there are more than I could ever write out!
As a member of the Green Schools Committee, I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of bringing the Show-Me Green Schools suite of sustainability programs to life. Being from rural Missouri, this work has been important to me as these free programs have extended beyond greater St. Louis to being accessible statewide. Formulating the programs and bringing on schools across Missouri has been a beautiful work in progress.
Our own elementary school has participated in Green Schools for nine years. We’ve taken on many projects including creating a massive outdoor educational space with vegetable beds and a native plant garden. Our sustainability measures over the years have set a greening standard that others look to. Sharing our work as led to three other schools participating in Green Schools programs in our district!
How has participating in a committee contributed to your professional growth or career development?
The Green Schools Committee is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, geographical locations, knowledge, and interests. Our most common thread is bringing positive energy and a love for sustainability in education. Because of all these things, we come to the table with really great perspectives and curate incredible, productive brainstorming sessions that bring great impact. I’ve left many meetings with notes on different organizations, projects, books, etc. to look into. And have then been able to add to my own list of resources that I can then share within my networks.
What skills, knowledge, or connections have you gained through your committee work?
Time invested in the committee and forged relationships inadvertently helped lead to my current role in managing the St. Louis Green Business Challenge. As an environmental “coach” I support the sustainability initiatives of companies, organizations, and local governments helping to identify and provide guidance on best practices. Witnessing firsthand the immense amount of green work happening across the region in our businesses, schools, and communities provides much hope on days when news cycles are bleak. There are many hands building a stronger, more resilient St. Louis area.
What would you say to someone who is considering joining a committee but isn’t sure if they have the time or expertise?
Every person has a skillset and a network. Those are valuable assets! I can wholeheartedly say, that of all the committees I serve on across organizations, being a part of the Green Schools Committee has been the most rewarding. Reach out to the MGGBC team to see where your abilities, interests, and time can intersect with committee work. You will find the right home.
Looking to grow your impact and build your network? Take the next step in your professional journey while helping shape a more sustainable future for our region. Join a MGGBC Committee!
Education | Engagement & Outreach | Advocacy | Green Schools | Development
Visit our Committees page to learn more. Have questions or need help finding the right fit? Send us an email at info@mogreenbuildings.org and we’ll follow up.