27: From the ‘Hood to the Marsh: Environmental Equality with Corina Newsome

Corina Newsome grew up in Philadelphia and has always had a desire to participate in, and advocate for, the protection of wildlife and natural spaces, and encourage people of color in the U.S. to explore the great outdoors. These days, you’ll catch her in Georgia marshes doing important conservation research for the MacGillivray's Seaside Sparrow. We were so psyched to talk with her and learn about all the incredible ways she walks the walk for environmental equality and access to wildlife opportunities for underrepresented demographics. 

Ask Corina about her own incredible array of accomplishments and she’ll refocus attention to the peers, communities, and institutions that support her vision. Ask about her own upbringing or experiences and she’ll redirect the question to how we can all help youth in low-income areas gain better access to the outdoors and career opportunities in wildlife. 

Corina is one of the rare people who understands that we all shine brighter if we focus our attention on helping others gain access to the wild. GET IT, GIRRRRRRL. 

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Corina’s “Do Anything for the Count” parody video…SO FREAKIN’ GOOD YOU GUYS.
• Diversity in Action Magazine: a great magazine “dedicated to supporting and promoting diversity in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math”…definitely worth a read!
• Greening Youth Foundation: an incredible nonprofit that engages "underrepresented youth and young adults while connecting them to the outdoors and careers in conservation."
• Sarah is digging the book “Bird Sense” right now
• Find Corina in all the places: Twitter, Instagram, and her website
• Corina’s favorite bird conservation group? The Audubon Society! They do incredible work in so many communities. 

BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Blue Jay
• American Avocet
• American Crow
• Seaside Sparrow 
• Marsh Wren
• Roseate Spoonbill
• Wood Stork
• Pileated Woodpecker
• Kiwi