In Riverside, where communities grow amidst both the challenges of urban heat islands and the fragile habitats of monarch butterflies, Megan Woodall found her calling. Her journey with California Climate Action Corps is not just a path of service but a transformative journey into the depths of environmental stewardship.

“I have always been passionate about serving my community. I volunteered with food recovery, universal college access, child abuse prevention and senior care organizations throughout high school. When entering the workforce, I wanted to join an organization that prioritized service as a tenet and overlapped with my interests in the environmental field,” Megan said.

From the outset, Megan’s days have been filled with hands-on engagement. Whether harvesting fresh produce for students or removing invasive species to preserve delicate butterfly sanctuaries, Megan immersed herself in community sustainability. The tangible impact of her efforts fueled her spirit.

“Planting trees in urban heat islands adjacent to schools brings me immense joy when I consider the shade they will provide to children in the near future,” she said.

Megan’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She received a special invitation that underscored the significance of her work—a chance to attend President Joe Biden’s Earth Day celebration in Virginia.

“Four CCAC Fellows and I represented California as the first state to establish a state-level climate service corps and celebrate the launch of the American Climate Corps. I was able to share my story experiencing poor air quality in the Inland Empire and my journey into the climate workforce to improve the health of my community,” she said.

The California Climate Action Corps became not just a platform for Megan’s service but a catalyst for personal growth.

“I have become certified as a Climate Steward through the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a My Green Lab Ambassador through the non-profit My Green Lab. Having gained technical and environmental justice, equity and inclusion skills, I am more well-versed in communicating climate data and its significance to a variety of audiences,” Megan said.

Central to her journey has been the development of project management skills, including a Google Project Management Professional Certificate.

“It takes effective time management to manage UC Riverside’s Green Labs certification program while still contributing to larger initiatives for the Office of Sustainability and assisting my co-fellows in their events. I will carry this knowledge with me in any future role to bring my team together and streamline efficiency,” she said.

Looking ahead, Megan’s aspirations burn bright. She’s set her sights on becoming an environmental engineer, currently studying to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam with plans to earn her MBA.

Megan’s story is not just one of personal achievement but of resilience, community empowerment and a steadfast commitment to shaping a sustainable future. With each step forward, she embodies the spirit of service and leadership that will continue to inspire change far beyond her current endeavors.