Meet Rachel Gillette of The Greenway Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Gillette.

Rachel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started working at The Greenway Foundation as a Seasonal Educator for the SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education) program in 2009 shortly after finishing my Master’s in Environmental Behavior, Education & Communication at The University of Michigan. Over the past decade, my responsibilities at The Greenway Foundation have grown into my current role as the Grants & Education Director. I now oversee all of the organization’s education programs, including field trips, day camps, and youth development programs, and write and manage all of the grants funding these programs as well as others.

Has it been a smooth road?
My first job at The Greenway Foundation (TGF) was a seasonal job, so I pursued opportunities at other environmental non-profits after a year of working at TGF. My hope was to secure a more permanent position elsewhere. I soon realized that I missed my work with the SPREE program at TGF though and I began inquiring about opportunities to return to the organization. I was lucky to be re-hired in 2011 and move into a full-time position with TGF by 2012. I am very fortunate that TGF welcomed me back and has helped me develop professionally since then.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Greenway Foundation – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Greenway Foundation (TGF) is a Denver-based non-profit organization dedication to the revitalization of the South Platte River and its tributaries, as well as reconnecting the community to these vital natural resources. The organization began in 1974 in response to the lingering damage from the disastrous flood of 1965. Since then, TGF has led the effort to reclaim the South Platte and its tributaries from virtual cesspools into places of environmental and recreational pride. Today, the organization continues to champion park, trail, and in-stream improvement projects along the River and its tributaries as well as innovative solutions to water quality and quantity challenges. TGF also engages the community through public events, volunteer projects, and environmental education programs. This comprehensive approach to the improvement and ongoing stewardship of the River, as well as the immense passion and dedication of the staff, is what I believe sets TGF apart from other organizations.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Denver is an exciting place to live, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. The weather, beautiful park spaces, rivers and creeks, and nearby mountains allow people to be active outdoors and enjoy nature year round.

Some of the challenges to living in Denver today are the rapid pace of growth and dealing with the increasing congestion and cost of living.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1855 S. Pearl St., Suite 40
  Denver, CO 80210
• Website: www.greenwayfoundation.org
• Phone: 303-743-9720
• Email: info@greenwayfoundation.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenwayfoundation/
• Other: www.spreeweb.org

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