By Laurie Casey

Join us in welcoming Tierra A. Steen to the One Earth community. She has joined our team as an Apprentice. Learn how she’ll be contributing to this year’s Fest.

Q: What's your role at OEFF and what are your primary responsibilities?

A: I am serving as a Public Allies AmeriCorps Apprentice for OEFF. It’s giving me the opportunity to be an assistant to One Earth’s executive director, Ana Garcia-Doyle. My primary responsibilities are to assist with the film selection process and the youth advisory this year.

Q: What is Public Allies? How does the work at Public Allies and OEFF connect?

A: Public Allies is a national network of organizations and individuals committed to advancing social justice and equity. The organization engages and activates the leadership capacities of our citizenry. Both organizations aim to create a just and equitable society and the diverse leadership to sustain it.

Q: What did you do before you came to OEFF?

A: In my life before OEFF, I was working part-time in healthcare. I was an aide for my grandmother, who is 90 years old. I love helping people, and what better way than to help one of my family members?

Q: What are you most excited about learning this year with OEFF?

A: As an Apprentice, my primary goal is to prepare myself for the future by learning from an expert in this field. Working closely with Ana, I will build entrepreneurial skills and learn how to run a successful business.

Q: What part of our mission do you most connect with and why?

A: Something that grinds my gears has to be injustice in society. I love that OEFF works to support environmental and social justice. I'm passionate about women’s rights around the world.