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 third edition of this series, we sat down with Tatiana Height, AFF’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Family Forest Carbon Program. Tatiana emphasizes the need to provide support for women working in conservation to be a part of the climate action solution. 

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

I first became of aware of AFF as a result of their administration of the SFLR program. I considered myself an environment generalist, having worked in water management, parks, environmental education, and environmental justice, and I saw venturing into forest carbon as an opportunity for personal and professional growth in the conservation space.  

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

I like being a part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem.  

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

The over exploitation of the earth’s resources is directly linked to our patriarchal society. In order to get in right relationship with the earth, we must also be in right relationship with women. Further, women are the natural keepers of the earth. It ain’t called “mother nature” for nothing! 

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

Talk to girls about it in grade school and provide scholarships for girls to enter forest conservation in high school. Plus, make sure employers offer substantial maternity leave opportunities and flexible schedules for working moms.  

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

Jacqueline Patterson. She held a job that I aspired to one day have as the Senior Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program before going on to found the Chisholm Legacy Project which is a resource hub for Black frontline climate justice leadership.  

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

In the words of Sophia Nelson, Esq. “Lift other women as you climb.”  

What's your favorite tree? 

Corylus avellana - Common Hazel: I love to eat hazel nuts.