PEOPLE OF WE PLANT IT FORWARD
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Passionate about the environment? Serve on the We Plant it Forward Board and advance our mission to preserve and restore the natural environment for the benefit of future generations through hands-on activities, community engagement, and environmental education bringing harmony to all life. Contact Maggie Bailey
Maggie Bailey
Founder and Executive Director
In 2009, Maggie launched an Environmental Service Program in Raleigh, NC that came to be known in 2012 as We Plant it Forward. Through this program, Maggie promotes environmental education, tree planting, tree preservation and water conservation working with corporations, community organizations and schools. In addition to tree planting, she leads rain barrel workshops where participants learn about water conservation and make a 55 gallon rain barrel. Maggie holds a Master of Science Degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Since 2009, she has led many tree planting volunteer efforts in the Raleigh/Durham area, working with both adults and children in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity, the Eno River Association, the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department, Haven House, Wake County Public Schools and Trees Across Raleigh. Using a hands-on learning curriculum, Project Learning Tree, Maggie has taught elementary age students the function of trees, benefits of trees, ecosystem, and proper tree planting. Her efforts have brought over 13,000 trees to the community of Raleigh/Durham, NC. Maggie continues to grow the We Plant it Forward program to restore and preserve our natural environment. Maggie loves hiking, reading, spending time with family and quiet meditation.
Jen Schrage
President
A community organizer in Raleigh for over 15 years, Jen has worked with parent teacher associations, municipalities, and community groups to plan large fundraising and community building events. After 10 years of extensive volunteer service with Wake County PTA, Jen received recognition as the 2017-2018 Wake PTA Council Star Volunteer. As an entrepreneur, Jen and her husband, Ed, have created, owned and operated multiple restaurant concepts as well as a catering business for over 15 years. Their newest entrepreneurial endeavor over the last four years has been renovating and revitalizing older homes. Her experience brings a wide range of leadership skills from operations and management to marketing and event planning.
Kim Lahman
Vice President
With an undergraduate degree in Social Work and graduate degrees in Education (specializing in community and agency counseling) and Environmental Science, Kim has experience in the public and private sectors. For over 35 years she has worked in community/public service and environmental conservation. Kim has performed a variety of roles throughout her career including social worker, outreach director, counselor, public affairs specialist, and sustainability manager and director. She enjoys being a champion for the environment and for underserved communities, contributing her time and energy to a variety of non-profit groups. Kim chose to take a volunteer leadership role on the board of We Plant it Forward because it's mission aligned so well with her values. She enjoys helping people make educated choices on trees for their yards. Kim chose to take a volunteer leadership role on the board of We Plant it Forward because it's mission aligned so well with her values. She enjoys helping people make educated choices on trees for their yards.Kim chose to take a volunteer leadership role on the board of We Plant it Forward because it's mission aligned so well with her values. She enjoys helping people make educated choices on trees for their yards. On warm, sunny days, Kim can be found exploring new trails with her wife, Carol and their cattle dog mix, Casso. She also relaxes on her kayak, bike and on the court, playing Pickleball.
Lauren Hartman
Treasurer
Lauren has spent the past 20 years cultivating transparent and collaborative partnerships to research and develop medicines and treatments for serious, life-threatening diseases/conditions. A career in clinical quality assurance and a personal love for travel has taken Lauren all over the world and instilled a deep appreciation for Earth’s beauty and fragility. Lauren discovered We Plant It Forward when searching for opportunities to help protect the environment in meaningful and impactful ways. Volunteering with the organization to help collect tree seeds, organize Raleigh’s Arbor Day Festival, and plant trees to reestablish the dwindling tree canopy in her adopted hometown has given Lauren a way to put her energy into action. When not digging for holes or seedlings, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband Mark doing anything outdoors, cooking, and traveling to places near and far.
Paige Buffkin
Secretary
Paige is a Vendor Manager for Cloud Commercial Engagements at Cisco. Leveraging her skills to manage vendor relationships, and negotiate contracts, fostering strong partnerships to ensure global procurement operations run smoothly. Paige has worked with Electrical and Acoustical Engineering companies, as well as in the IT Asset Management field for over 8 years and has a passion for continuous learning and collaboration. Outside of the professional realm, Paige is an avid traveler, always eager to explore new cultures and landscapes with a passion for physical health, helping to maintain balance, focus, and well-being in her busy life. As a North Carolina native, she has always found inspiration in our diverse plant life and beautiful outdoor spaces and joined We Plant it Forward to help safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
Morgan Davis
Director
Morgan is managing partner at Davis Legal providing Legal Consulting · Nonprofit Consulting · Criminal Defense Law · Business Law · Political Consulting. Morgan has two years of experience acting as legal counsel in the nonprofit sector. As an entrepreneur in the legal and nonprofit sectors, Morgan’s leadership offers both legal and nonprofit business experience.
Lawrence Alleyne
Director
Lawrence is a Business Analyst at Cisco, specializing in Data Analysis, Business Process Improvement, Project Management, Technology Systems, and Supply Chain Management. Beyond his professional achievements, Lawrence is passionate about applying his expertise for the greater good. He has a proven track record of successfully implementing data-driven solutions that drive positive change. Lawrence nurtures a deep interest in Business and Technology and maintains an unyielding passion for continuous learning, always seeking to broaden his horizons. In his free time you can find him going on nature walks, challenging hikes, at the gym, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, learning new technology skills, or at the Oberlin Regional Library looking for a book to read.
Heather Bociek
Director
Heather has established a career in Information Technology, focusing on customer support, vendor relationships, and business partnerships. Employed by a global insurance company, she appreciates the dynamic nature of the IT field, which makes her time in nature even more valuable. Heather discovered “We Plant It Forward” at a tree seed collection volunteer event, where she was inspired by Maggie’s enthusiasm. In her free time, Heather enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. Her daughter lives in North Carolina, and her son, along with his wife and their first child, resides in Connecticut.
James Sanner
Contributor
For two decades, James has actively worked to bring balance to his environment through ecological stewardship and researching mind body relationships. He has a Masters’ Degree in Philosophy and has pursued graduate studies in social work and education. He was a grounds manager at UC Berkeley for ten years prior to taking on his current role as the facilities manager at the Insight Meditation Society, MA. He has studied with nutritional consultants and master herbalists and soil ecologists, and is working to unify his knowledge through developing a user friendly cost effective series of methods individuals can employ at their homes to easily grow nutrient dense fresh food anywhere. James compiled all of the information in the Herbal Reference Guide on our website.