Pronouns: she/her/cô

Cat joined EMSWCD in November 2024 and brings years of experience in outdoor environmental education and outreach focused on diverse and marginalized communities.

Cat is a second-generation Vietnamese American. She grew up exploring the outdoors and growing many culturally relevant plants with her mother. Her childhood encouraged her to get a B.S. in Earth & Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. After graduating, Cat served in the Peace Corps and created environmental awareness in her community through education and organizing. When she returned to the US, she continued to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Confluence Environmental Center and the City of Portland BES to connect with marginalized communities through environmental outreach. Cat has also worked at Growing Gardens as a Garden Educator/Coordinator and Community Organizer. She is looking forward to building deeper relationships with the community and informing and inspiring diverse audiences on how to care for our environment. In her free time, Cat is often traveling, taking photos, cooking/baking, or hiking with her husband and rescued street dog (from her Peace Corps days)!