Hi, my name is Liz McDonald.

Hello! My name is Liz McDonald, and I am currently a graduate candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder specializing in Sustainable Food Systems. I am beyond honored to be recognized as one of this year’s VOC Grossman Scholars.

I am passionate about understanding the ways we manage and live within environmental systems. Through my undergraduate studies and time spent serving with AmeriCorps, I have worked on conservation, restoration, and regenerative agriculture projects. Connecting with land stewards on a personal level to understand and address the most pressing environmental issues has shaped the interests I am pursuing in graduate school.

Currently, in collaboration with a local non-profit organization, I am involved with Boulder County’s leading scene in wildfire resiliency planning through my capstone project. Through this, I am developing a county-wide wildfire ambassador program to address rising concerns over fire preparedness, invoking collaboration between and across agencies, municipalities, and community organizations. The project is deeply tied to community and action and focuses on both land and home management practices.

A primary goal of mine within this professional graduate program is to advocate for just, equitable, and attainable climate solutions. Nurturing the connection of people with land, water, and food is where my focus lies. Because of this, I volunteer my time with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee within my graduate program and will continue to do so for the remainder of my studies. I currently act as the Student Equity Action Group Lead, supporting resource and funding analysis for current and incoming students.

After I graduate, I hope to gain diverse experience working among and between environmental non-profit organizations and government agencies. Building partnerships and skillsets along the way, I have an adaptive view of my future goals. Monumental in guiding my career path, my current educational pursuits have empowered me to develop a highly interdisciplinary lens on conservation agriculture and environmental management.

Academically and professionally, this scholarship will support me in many more ways than financially. It will allow me to link my dedication to volunteerism with my professional pursuits. The scholarship, as well as future, continuous involvement with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado will provide support, community engagement, and a vast network of inspiration for the work I hope to do moving forward. It is with deep gratitude that I stand as one of this year’s VOC Grossman Scholars.