By their nature, gardens embody diversity. Garden education is increasingly recognized as an interdisciplinary approach that integrates academic goals, health and wellness, place-based education, and community connections and relationships. However, discussion of culture is often missing in garden-based education. To validate and celebrate the interests and experiences of our students, we will delve deep into the significance of culture as it relates to food and gardens and also as it relates to the diverse populations with whom we work.

Join us as we explore ways to celebrate and center culture through garden-based learning.

This series is made possible by a sponsorship from the Clif Family Foundation and contributions from folks like you.

A recording of this webinar will be available at this web link immediately following the live presentation. 

Ceci is a lifelong learner, mother, mover, facilitator of embodied practices, and bilingual educator. Currently, she is studying for a master’s degree in Sustainability Education and Leadership at PSU. Ceci is from la Tierra del mariachi y el agave: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Her Mexican roots and family traditions have drawn her closer to connecting with nature’s abundance, beauty, and teachings. This has led her to share with students and her community earth-based practices and holistic education resources. After moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2015, Ceci received her certification as a yoga instructor, and years later, she completed a 300hr Ayurveda Clinical Foundations certification. She has taught yoga and meditation in Spanish to the Latino community in town and is excited to combine her passion for movement and mindfulness with garden-based education. When she’s not in the classroom or the garden or at a yoga studio teaching, Ceci enjoys exploring the great outdoors of the PNW, playing racquetball, traveling, and engaging in rituals of self-care.

Coming from Puebla Mexico, Ángeles' first language is Spanish but she has lived in the United States for the past 19 years. She loves children and being out in nature, admiring flowers, planting fruits and vegetables, and the like. Combining these two loves makes her an excellent community organizer in Portland's Powell Butte neighborhood. She loves helping others become more self-sufficient through gardening and appreciating nature.

Host: Daniel Barrera Ortega - Daniel is a garden educator in the DC Metro Area. Having graduated with a degree in Plant Genetics but realizing he could not tell you anything about growing food, he sought more hands-on experience by helping in a youth garden education program in Gainesville, Florida. This sent him down a rabbit hole exploring the intersection of classroom education, cooking, and gardening. When not prepping for his next lesson, he can be found doing swing-outs in the ballroom, performing improv comedy, or baking at home. Daniel serves on the School Garden Support Organization’s governance board and has collaborated closely on the popular Teaching in Nature’s Classroom online course and curriculum.

Fostering Hispanic, Latinx and Spanish Origin Culture in Youth Gardens