Growing up in a suburb of Washington D.C., Dajawn Williams’ family culture didn’t include much accessibility to nature. But in high school, he had the good luck of registering for an advanced placement course in Environmental Science
That single decision has made all the difference. As he puts it, he “fell in love with the outdoors”, leading him to earn a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Virginia State University and to pursue advanced studies in conservation.
My Green Earth has benefitted from Dajawn’s expertise and passion for conservation through our partnership with Kennesaw State University’s Office of Sustainability and its Campus Climate Action Corps, partially funded through the federal government’s VISTA AmeriCorps program. KSU’s initiative advances sustainability practices across its campuses and encourages student-led projects like Owl Swap, an upcycling system for clothing. Other components of the KSU Office of Sustainability’s environmental education efforts focus on recycling and waste management, sustainable commuting practices, and more.
After curating a variety of educational experiences for himself, Dajawn has decided to pursue a “green collar” career, dedicated to the environment and conservation. From living in the wilderness of Maine to the suburban environment of Austell, he seeks out opportunities to be in nature. Living this way has taught him many lessons, one of which is patience. “Living outdoors teaches us appreciation for the slowness of the natural world that we can adapt in our daily lives,” says Williams. When not hiking through a forest, Dajawn can be found leading community programs through his work at KSU and My Green Earth, or serving as Lead Restoration and Invasive Removal Specialist for the Atlanta nonprofit EcoAddendum.
Williams sees Cobb County as a perfect pilot county in Georgia for promoting environmental education and helping people identify different ways to live sustainably. Dajawn believes that great impact can be made through upcycling, buying locally-produced groceries, and planting urban gardens. He also believes strongly in integrating outdoor education into our school curricula, so children with limited experience with the natural world can learn through experience.
Many thanks to KSU’s Office of Sustainability for your leadership in this space and to Dajawn Williams, for lending your skill to My Green Earth to improve the lives of those living and working in Cobb County.