Thank You, Jenn DeRose

Jenn DeRose began working for Saint Louis Earth Day in late Spring of 2015 as a staff member of Recycling On the Go, and subsequently joined the Green Dining Alliance in September of 2015.

With over ten years in the restaurant industry, holding positions that spanned both the front and back of the house, Jenn loves good food and the people who make good food possible at every stage of its production and disposal.

Jenn believes that stewardship of the environment can bring financial, emotional, and ecological benefits for all participating parties. Saint Louis is in a unique position to become a national leader in Sustainability.

Prior to joining the GDA she worked at Vintage Vinyl and volunteered as a DJ on KDHX. She is fond of her cats Henry Catsinger and Taco, hiking, camping, and biking around St. Louis.

Read what Jenn has to say about her time with earthday365, here.

A few words…

earthday365 has been fortunate to have Jenn lead the Green Dining Alliance for the past 4 years and she will be missed. From the very beginning, she began hustling the GDA program both in memberships and in reputation amongst the community. She volunteered to sit on many committees, boards, and commissions in an effort to expand her own knowledge, as well as the significance of the GDA in the community. In which, she also she attended Wash U, maintained a position in the Honors Program, and was named to the Dean’s List each semester.

I am personally honored to have witnessed Jenn’s personal and professional growth throughout her time here. She gained confidence and became a trusted resource for both the organization and the food community. She worked tirelessly because she was so passionate about issues surrounding food access, social justice, and community education. She has forever left her mark on the Green Dining Alliance, and will undoubtedly take her passion and drive to develop the Known and Grown program at MCE to it’s potential.

– Jen Myerscough, Executive Director

Jenn DeRose’s passion for her work and community seem boundless. I am forever grateful to her for the commitment, drive and growth she brought to the Green Dining Alliance program here at earthday365. She has left the program in a much better place than she found it, true to her sustainability ethic. Plus, I loved how she shared her enthusiasm for all things outdoors – except where she finds her mushrooms. Perhaps we shall meet looking under the forest duff some day. I am looking forward to seeing the growth of the Known and Grown program under her leadership and wish her well.

– Bob Henkel, Recycling On the Go Program Director

I am so honored to have had the privilege to work with Jenn DeRose. She is such a bright, passionate, caring, anddedicated employee and person. She exudes these qualities so much it’s hard to not be inspired by her. She’s an incredible example of an environmentalist and a staunch advocate for groups who may regularly be left out of that conversation. I’ve learned so much from her both professionally and personally, I can’t say enough about her. She’s 

an amazing asset to any team, and I wish her wellness and fulfillment in her next path.

– Elizabeth Sabetta, Recycling On the Go Assistant Program Manager

Jenn DeRose is a real boss and the GDA is losing a great advocate. I hope I can even fill a fraction of the shoes she left for me. Jenn has been an amazing person to work with and be around. I value her as a co-worker, a leader and a friend. I’ll miss being around her often but, fortunately, our paths will continue to cross.

– Victoria Donaldson, Green Dining Alliance Assistant Program Manager

From the moment I met JD while working at an ROG event, I knew she was a natural fit for our organization. JD’s spunky personality and dedication to her work was a dynamic addition to the team and I will miss her terribly! #tats #purplehair #mushroomlove

– Laura Allers-Lowry, Event Manager

What makes Jenn DeRose so unique and personable, is her inevitable passion that shows as she goes above and beyond in all that she does. As I joined the team at earthday365, Jenn offered me endless guidance in which I will not forget her sheer generosity of doing so. She is one of those people who impact you as soon as you encounter them. Best wishes to you Jenn, in all of your endeavors.

– Courtney Casteel, Marketing & Communications Coordinator