Meet Dana Sargent, the newest member of our team! Dana brings a wealth of organizing and environmetal advacocy experience to her new role as Community Building Director.
In this position, she will work closely with our amazing chapter network across the state, which includes nine all-volunteer chapters and a growing number of campus chapters.
Read on to learn more about Dana...
Do you have a specific memory or occasion that sparked your enthusiasm for birds and the outdoors?
Sitting on the floor at age 9, too close to the tiny TV in our living room, I was mesmerized and forever changed by Jane Goodall in the National Geographic special, Among the Wild Chimpanzees. From that day on, I have been a conservationist in one way or another.
Describe your work with Audubon.
I’ll be working closely with Audubon’s chapter network in North Carolina. I’m excited to support and help grow the amazing work they do in their communities and plug Audubon members into important conservation and policy campaigns that we’re working on at the state level.
What did you do before Audubon?
I previously served as Executive Director of Wilmington-based Cape Fear River Watch, where I spent the last seven years campaigning against PFAS and forever chemical pollution, among other issues. Wilmington will still be home for me in this new position with Audubon, but I’m excited to get around the state and meet folks in-person.
What’s your favorite bird?
I can’t wait to discover this as I embark on my new journey into birding. I have poor vision so my guess is my favorite will be one with a sweet – or spicy – call!
What motivates you to get involved in conservation and environmental issues?
My compassion for the creatures we share this pale blue dot with, and the hope and inspiration gleaned from everyday people who are doing great things. As an environmental advocate, especially in these challenging times, I am nothing if not perpetually hopeful.
What are you looking forward to most about your work with Audubon?
I can’t wait to find out all I have yet to discover about birds, and the places and people supporting them. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to learn.
