Nemas Gardens Summer Intern 2025: Erica Ortiz

Erica Ortiz

Sowing Seeds of Justice: A Future Environmental Lawyer Finds Her Roots at Nemas Gardens

In a world where climate change and food insecurity loom large, one high school student is already stepping up to make a difference. Passionate about environmental justice and driven by a vision of advocacy, she joined the Nemas Gardens internship program with a bold goal: to prepare for a future as an environmental defense lawyer.

Purpose-Driven from Day One

Her motivation was clear and heartfelt. She wanted to learn how to grow her own food, live sustainably, and support environmental causes—not just in theory, but through hands-on experience. Nemas Gardens offered the perfect opportunity to turn those ideals into action.

“I joined this program to connect my passion for justice with real-world sustainability.”

Lessons That Will Last a Lifetime

Throughout the internship, she immersed herself in the rhythms of the garden and the values of the community. Her key takeaways reflect a deep and well-rounded learning experience:

• Greenhouse maintenance: She learned how to care for plants in controlled environments, gaining insight into climate-conscious cultivation.

• Sustainable agriculture: From composting to crop rotation, she explored practices that protect the planet while feeding communities.

• Food justice awareness: She developed a deeper understanding of how access to healthy food intersects with equity and advocacy.

These lessons didn’t just prepare her for college—they laid the foundation for a career rooted in purpose.

Advice for Future Interns

Her message to those considering the program is simple but powerful:

“Stay curious, ask questions, and embrace hands-on learning.”

Whether you're planning a career in law, science, or community organizing, she believes that the garden is a place where anyone can grow.

This intern’s journey is a reminder that environmental justice starts with education, empathy, and action. At Nemas Gardens, she didn’t just learn how to cultivate plants—she cultivated the tools to defend the planet.