At ACE, we act locally, operate regionally (and, of course, think globally). The overwhelming majority of our staff are ACE Educators – folks who live in the communities that they serve. From Amber in Georgia to JD in Denver and all the rest of our 22 educators in 15 metro areas, they bring their own skills, style and perspective to ACE. And here in Oakland HQ, our small but fun-loving staff is busy trying to make plans, get the word out and keep ACE going.

Since the start of summer break, we added three new staff members to help us do all that.

We’re proud to introduce you to the newest crop of ACErs:

Kylie, Ohio Educator

As Ohio’s first ACE Educator, Kylie is meeting teachers, talking to school districts and visiting schools for the first time in Ohio, introducing her home state to ACE.

Kylie is great at:

• Connecting with people from all walks of life
• Engaging others through optimism and enthusiasm about the environmental movement
• Playing the violin, both regularly and in non-traditional ways… like with her violin behind her head or holding the bow with her knees

Jess, Los Angeles Educator

As an LA Educator, Jess is joining the LAdies in working with great schools and some amazing Action Teams to keep the entire SoCal region’s reputation for ACE super-stardom intact.

Jess is great at:

• Complex problem solving
• Facilitating contentious conversations
• Baking vegan cakes

Liz, Development Associate in Oakland
But what does a Development Associate really do?

Says Liz, “My job is behind the scenes at ACE, fundraising. You might think that making money is all about numbers, but it’s almost all about words. I communicate ACE’s vision, mission, programs, and passion to people and organizations that are concerned about climate change, have funds that they want to give away, and might be interested in supporting ACE.

I get to write dazzling reports that showcase the best of ACE and seriously persuasive applications that tell funders why we need their support. And it’s all so that ACE Educators can do what they do, so that you can do what you can do to save the world.”

Liz is great at:

• Writing
• Writing
• Eating cake

(I suddenly know why Jess and Liz became fast friends at this summer’s All-Staff meeting!)

Whether you’re a school in Ohio, a student in LA or a potential donor who can’t wait to be won over by Liz, I hope you’re as excited by our new folks as we are.