The Swetland Center is excited to bring in the new year with a new addition to our team! Linea Webb will be joining the center as a Community Engaged Researcher with the Nourishing Power Network Study.
We hope you will join us in welcoming her! Please read our interview below to learn more about Linea!
1. What project will you be working on and what is your role?
I will be a research assistant for the Nourishing Neighborhoods Empowering Communities Study and I will primarily focus on coordinating the Nourishing Power Fellowship and the Nourishing Power Network.
2. Where are you from?
I am from Northern Kentucky, about 15 minutes south of Cincinnati, Ohio. I lived in Louisville, Kentucky for five years while I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies. I moved back to Cincinnati for a few years, then moved to Cleveland for work in 2019.
3. What is your background in?
My degrees are in Social Work and I have primarily worked as a case manager, providing support to families and immigrant youth who recently migrated to the U.S. Last year I worked at Crown Point Ecology Center on their organic farm and learned a lot about growing healthy food for the community.
4. What excites you about joining the Swetland Center?
For the past few years I have been listening to podcasts and reading a lot about environmental justice issues, climate change, and regenerative agriculture. I realized that I want to transition to a career where I am advocating for the health of people and the planet. I am excited about joining the Swetland Center because there are many opportunities to learn about environmental problems and the best ways to address these issues to create a more equitable and healthy community. Also, the team members I have met so far seem very kind, supportive, and passionate about this work.
5. What is your favorite outdoor space in Cleveland or a place you want to explore?
I love visiting Lake Erie, especially Lakewood Park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park has some great trails and so do the Cleveland Metroparks. I would like to explore each of the county’s parks and the islands on Lake Erie.
6. What is a piece of advice you have been given or quote/statement that is significant to you?
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela