Hello CDRW community!
My name is Meagan Schaefer (she/her/hers), and as of June 21, 2021, I have joined the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) team as their new Outreach & Communications Manager. I am so thrilled to be here, and you can learn a bit more about me below.
Born and raised in Audubon, New Jersey, I grew up enjoying all that the Delaware River Basin has to offer – from white water rafting on the Lehigh River to hiking the Delaware River Water Gap. I have always been drawn to nature, particularly preserving and protecting it for future generations.
My passion for environmental protection is what led me to begin my career at Rowan University, where I studied Geography, Planning and Geoscience. During my time at Rowan, I had the amazing opportunity to intern for the South Jersey Land and Water Trust (SJLWT), where I specifically focused on biological stream quality, environmental education, and trail maintenance. Fun fact: Prior to graduating, I spent six-months studying in Scotland at Glasgow University, where I researched Celtic Archeology and Geology!
Upon graduating from Rowan in 2017, I attended Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where I obtained a Master’s in City & Regional Planning, focusing on Sustainable Community Development and Environmental Planning. It was during this time that I developed a deep understanding of issues related to social equity, environmental & economic injustice, and climate change.
I have always believed that to tackle many of these issues, we must drive change from the ground up, beginning with the community.
Prior to joining the team, I had been with the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) as the Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator, where I worked to bring capital to communities by building bridges between low to moderate income areas and mainstream financial institutions to ensure the stability, growth, and vitality of the Philadelphia Region. During my time at UAC, I gained valuable insight into the world of strategic communications, specifically for nonprofit and policy campaigns, which I hope to bring to my role here at CDRW.
Although I have deeply enjoyed empowering individuals through economic and social justice initiatives at UAC, I am eager to be getting back to my roots in environmental protection, policy and outreach! I am delighted to be taking on this role, and very much looking forward to working with you all!