What according to you makes one a transformational leader? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?
When I think about a transformational leader, I think about a person that is never complacent. I picture someone that always strives to do better, makes it a point to learn and improve, and whose work is never done.
I pride myself on leading by example. I want my team to know that anything is possible, it’s just a matter of putting in the effort to get there. I challenge both my colleagues and myself to want more, think bigger, and stay ahead of the bunch. Our work is often defined as a work of passion. While I agree that that’s what wakes us most mornings, it’s not what keeps ahead.
What prompted you to join the team of Greening Youth Foundation? How has been the experience working thus far at the company?
I joined the Greening Youth Foundation team in 2016 with a desire to continue my work in workforce development programming. Working with the Greening Youth Foundation has allowed me to do just that. As an added bonus, I’ve also been positioned to create programming and new opportunities that are intentional in supporting youth, underserved communities, and aid in community development.
GYF isn’t like most organizations in environmental sector. We have a mission that prioritizes diversity, but we also have staff and board that reflects it. When I was introduced to this work as emerging professional, this was a lens and perspective that I needed to show me there were no bounds.
Being the Director of Operations, what role do you play in the day-to-day proceedings of the company?
My role is as the Director of Operations is to support the management, function, and technical needs of GYF programs, partnerships, and staff. In somewhat of a catchall position, I have been able to use the role to help GYF branch out into new partnerships, sectors, and conversations.
Talk to us about your growing up years and what led you into youth and community development area.
I moved around quite a bit as a kid, but I always found myself close to family. Whether it was my mom or grandparents, I knew that had someone in my corner and an expectation to do my best. In times when we had a little or a lot, their perspective on life and their efforts to support their family and local community never changed. And not by coincidence, the examples they set are the rules that I live by today.
I know that if I want to see change happen around me, I need to be a part of it. I know the world isn’t always fair, and sometimes it takes the work of a few to support the needs of one.
What has the journey been like for Eboni Preston over the years?
I came into this work with little industry knowledge and expectation, but a desire to do something in workforce development and for my community. By no surprise, I wasn’t the smartest in the room, but I prided myself on always being the hardest working person there. As a Kobe Bryant fan, beneficiary of a praying grandmother, and daughter of living legend, I knew that excellence wasn’t an option; it’s a requirement. That mentality has gotten me far, and regardless of the work, I knew there was something I could in any moment to make a difference.
Looking back, what would you have done different when starting out?
Looking back, I would have integrated social workers in our work earlier. As we look to dismantle barriers and make room spaces for diverse, it takes people that understand the complexities and values of different journeys and life paths. I’m so fortunate to be able to continue my work in social work as I navigate the environmental sector, and I truly believe our collective efforts are making a difference in the lives of our participants.
What is the mission of The Greening Youth Foundation’s (GYF)? How is the company ensuring the same?
Greening Youth Foundation’s (GYF) mission is to engage under-represented youth and young adults, while connecting them to the outdoors and careers in conservation. GYF ensures that this happens by making sure this is reflected and prioritized in its staff, initiatives, interests, and mission of its partners, and plans for the development.
How important is it for young adults to participate in Sustainable activities and learn the idea of giving back?
One of my favorite courses while studying social work was Human Behavior in a Social Environment. This course showed me just how much we are influenced by the people and places around us, and impact of learned behavior. As GYF works to get more youth engaged in sustainability, stewardship, and service, these students also need to see it practiced by the role models and adults around them on a daily basis.
When it comes to our internship and young professional programs, I get both excited and inspired. To see these young people thriving in these new and challenging spaces shows me that one, they have the skills and drive, they just need the opportunity; two, a better day is ahead; and three the work must continue. By equipping and resourcing these young leaders now, the future is bright.
What has been the biggest roadblock during your journey? What has been your biggest learning?
The environmental sector is full of a lot of best practices and unspoken ways of doing things by certain people. As a representative of an organization that isn’t the “norm” when it comes to conservation and environmental work, us navigating the space and introducing more diverse thought and leadership can be a challenge.
People, regardless of industry or age, are comfortable with what they know and they legacy of how it came to be that way. When we think about the environmental sector and what’s needed for the next decade or even century, we can’t afford for it to be a this versus that or an us versus them conversation. We have to move in a concerted and intentional effort, and fortunately or unfortunately, that’s going to take some work in the interim that is reliant to healing, relationship building, and the dismantling of old ways of thinking and acting.
Moving forward, what does the future look like for GYF and you?
The future for GYF is bright. As the team looks to grow its reach globally, I am excited to see the increased representation, environmental stewardship, and targeted efforts. Personally, I hope to open doors for people and communities that have historically been marginalized, silenced, or ignored. I want to fuel, fund, and equip efforts so that change is seen today and tomorrow.
Honestly, it is my hope that in the next few years that organizations like GYF and roles like mine aren’t needed. I want to see a transformation in the industry where missions like ours are prioritized and acted on. I hope to be in a position that I can show what is possible with hard work, dedication, and a strong circle around me.
