This Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to highlight #AFFWomen – those that work tirelessly to improve our forests, support American landowners, and benefit our communities. They hail from different backgrounds and have unique stories to tell — but they all share the goal of leaving our planet better and healthier than we found it.   

In our fourth edition of this series, we sat down with Jasmine Brown, AFF’s senior manager of landowner stewardship for the Family Forest Carbon Program. Her love of working with people, particularly engaging with landowners to find solutions for their woods, keeps her coming back to work every day.  

How/why did you choose to work in forest conservation? 

I love working with people and I have always had a desire to help folks get access to resources and education. I started my career working in some tough sectors, child sexual abuse and suicide prevention. The work was fulfilling, and at times very hard but ended up being the catalyst for my pivot to a new field. I was introduced to the issue of heirs’ property and how forestry can play a role in asset retention, land management, and so much more. Honestly, I sort of fell into the forest conservation space and the rest is history. Unbeknownst to me, it would be the perfect type of work to put my passion for community and connecting resources to people, together.  

What’s your favorite part of your career/job? 

Landowners are my favorite part of the job, hands down. It been amazing getting to know the folks who care about their land, their stories, and their plans to include the next generation in the upcoming work. I’ve worked with some of the most incredible landowners and when I hear a landowner say, “they want to leave this place just a little bit better than I found it,” that’s when my heart smiles. It’s one thing to work in the nonprofit space, where folks are fighting the good fight but to get the opportunity to hear that most people are inherently good and want to see the “good” continue; there is magic in that.  

Why is it important for women to be involved in forest conservation? 

Forest conservation is bigger than you and I and it needs everyone to sustain it. It’s important, especially for women, to be involved in forest conservation because we bring diverse perspectives and attention to detail to help make better products and services. For me specifically, as black women, it’s important to me to be the face I want to see in the room. I want to be one of the many examples of black women in this space that are making a difference and having an impact on this industry.   

In your opinion what needs to change, or what needs to be done, to increase women's involvement in forest conservation work? 

We need to hire more women in positions of leadership and keep them in leadership positions, and not just the women who had to work their way to the top, but I want to see more woman start in leadership role with equitable pay. Also, equitable in general, throughout all levels of the sector.  

Do you have a woman role model in the forest, conservation, or environmental space? Who is it and why? 

One of my role models in the conservation space is Jennie Stephens, CEO for The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation. She is a trailblazer in this space for a long time. When Jennie speaks, people listen. She is so passionate about not only the land but more importantly the people she works with, and I would not be who I am today in this conservation space without her leadership and guidance. 

What advice would you give to women looking to pursue a career in forest conservation? 

Just start, there is a need for you in forest conservation. Along with a need for you, there is also a community of women with open arms ready to champion you. Women are thriving in forest conservation and creating spaces for women just like you to succeed.  

What's your favorite tree? 

Araucaria heterophylla - Norfolk Island Pine: My husband and I visited The Azores in Portugal last year and we were in awe of these upside-down trees!