Building off of my undergraduate final project (public gardens engaging with diverse audiences), I am researching racial diversity in public garden leadership.
My graduate thesis will conduct narrative interviews with 10 - 20 participants who identify as people of colour, and also occupy positions of leadership in the public horticulture field. These positions can include, but are not limited to: executive director, director of research, director of education, education co-ordinator, volunteer manager, nursery manager, horticultural supervisor, facilities manager, etc.
The goal of this research is to understand the following: 1.) What are the experiences of people of colour in public horticulture leadership? 2.) What are the education and career pipeline for people of colour and leadership positions in public gardens? 3.) What are some of the barriers and challenges that people of colour might face in public garden leadership? 4.) What are some of the successes and opportunities for people of colour in public garden leadership?