Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keya Meggett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Keya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

In 2014, I founded Earth Child Inc. with the purpose of connecting young people to nature, especially those from my community who looked like me. Our efforts were largely successful, but after becoming a mom and moving to South Carolina, I felt lost and unsure of how to proceed in a new environment. To regain my footing, I began volunteering in my son’s school garden and working with some of the students there. This experience reenergized me and reminded me that I could adapt and thrive in this new place.

Last year, I experienced a difficult moment when I was laid off from my job. Despite the initial shock and sadness, I knew deep down that this was an opportunity to pursue my true passion and follow my dreams. It was scary to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk, but I had to be brave and trust in myself to move forward. Sometimes, it takes a difficult situation to push us towards our true calling.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a young adult, I became increasingly interested in youth development and the environment. This passion was sparked during my college years studying marine biology. I was fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time outdoors as a child, both in the city and in the countryside. This early exposure to nature inspired me to understand its benefits for young people, especially those from urban, Black, Brown, and poor communities like myself. As a result, I have founded Earth Child Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering youth to, connect, embrace and protect the natural world around them.

After finishing college and gaining experience in different workplaces, I felt the urge to do something meaningful. I joined Americorps, where I had the chance to work with young people in Paterson, New Jersey, teaching them about water science. It was an incredible experience that opened my eyes to the importance of environmental education. Later on, I joined the Student Conservation Association, and I was fortunate enough to explore some of the most beautiful natural spaces in our country. I met amazing people along the way who shared my passion for conservation and the outdoors. When I returned home, I knew I wanted to keep exploring and learning about the natural world. That’s why I founded Earth Child Inc., to share my love and knowledge of the environment with others.

While leading Earth Child Inc., I found myself becoming more connected to my community than ever before. Through my work with youth, I gained a better understanding of their unique experiences and needs. One thing that became clear was the importance of providing a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. That’s why we made sure to create a space where young people could truly be themselves and connect with nature. As I often said, “Nature doesn’t discriminate – it’s for everyone.”

My unwavering dedication to connecting people with the Land sets me apart from others. True freedom can only be attained once we’ve restored our relationship with our planet. This crucial work is unfortunately not widely shared, but I take pride in being the founder of Earth Child Inc., an organization committed to making positive changes in our communities for the benefit of all living beings.

Throughout my journey, perseverance and adaptability are values I held tight. Establishing Earth Child Inc. back in 2014 was a significant undertaking, and we’re nearly at our ten-year anniversary. Despite no longer being situated in New Jersey, I’ve managed to successfully restructure and reimagine our approach in many ways. I’m content knowing that I can adjust our tactics without losing sight of our original purpose and objectives. While it’s been a challenging journey, witnessing how far we’ve progressed has been gratifying.

I am thrilled to share that I have reignited my passion for cooking and am currently attended culinary school to become a chef. As Earth Child, Inc. evolves, I remain committed to connecting young people with the land, however, I are eager to do so through regenerative farming experiences and culinary education. I strongly believe that understanding the origins of our food and its cultivation is crucial in becoming responsible caretakers of our planet. I am excited to embark on this journey and cannot wait to see the positive impact it will have on my new community.

Any advice for managing a team?

Having held leadership roles in the past, I firmly believe that effective communication with one’s team is essential for achieving success. It’s imperative to involve your team in the decision-making process, particularly when significant changes are imminent that will impact everyone. Being clear in a person’s expectations is also crucial for high morale and success. Furthermore, allowing room for error and recognizing that everyone comes from diverse backgrounds and experiences is critical. We must acknowledge the humanity in people and treat them with the same respect we would want for ourselves. Ultimately, we’re all in this together, and it’s vital to cultivate a positive and inclusive environment.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I truly believe that one of the most important things for people to achieve success in their field is to have a healthy and positive connection with others. It’s about being a part of a community with like-minded individuals, as well as engaging in healthy debates with those who may have different perspectives. I recently learned about Harvard University’s 80+ year survey study on the key to happiness and success, and it found that good relationships and a sense of community are critical to our overall well-being. I couldn’t agree more! Surrounding oneself with supportive and joyful people is key to achieving success in any area of life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @goingbackgullah
• Facebook: Keya Meggett
• Linkedin: Keya Meggett

Image Credits
All images taken by me.