Angelou Ezeilo
Founder & CEO
Greening Youth Foundation
Atlanta, GA USA
“If you’re going to be a trailblazer, you must be your authentic self. You’ll get lost otherwise.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationAngelou Ezeilo
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I was born in Jersey City, New Jersey.
I knew from a young age that I loved the outdoors—I often got the chance to take a break from my urban city and spend summers at my family’s 54-acre plot of land in upstate New York.
I was striving to become a famous actress, but my plans took a turn when my parents decided I needed to move to the South and transfer to Spelman College, an all-women school.
While studying for my bachelor’s degree, I took a family member’s advice and changed my major from drama to English, which I’d be able to apply to many career fields if I wanted to.
I realized I wanted to go into a career field that would allow me to impact the world, so I decided to go to law school.
While practicing corporate law as an attorney for the State of New Jersey, I realized that it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
I transitioned to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and worked on farmland preservation.
After feeling lonely as one of very few Black women in my field, I started the Greening Youth Foundation, which provides opportunities in conservation and sustainability for underrepresented youth.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Mount Saint Mary Academy
Mount Saint Mary Academy
Career
Founder & CEO
I lead a nonprofit that provides opportunities in conservation for underrepresented youth.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Environment & Nature
Entrepreneurship
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
You don't need to be a wildlife biologist or environmental CEO to contribute to sustainability and conservation. There are so many things you can do to contribute. Conserve water, compost, and use a reusable bag. If you do want a career in this field, there's a huge variety to explore. Check out all of the jobs in alternative energy. Or maybe you're interested in something like botany. I recommend exploring all of the different career paths and trying something that feels right to you.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You need to pick something and stick to it. Your career path should be linear."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Work-Life Balance
