Meet a Southfacer: Rachel Burton

About Us

How did you first hear about Southface, and what attracted you to the organization?

I had recently moved to Atlanta and was on the search for employment. I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that was mission-minded, and I happily stumbled upon Southface. My knowledge of sustainability was limited, but I knew Southface was a place I could learn and grow as a young professional and as a steward of the environment.

What project are you working on right now, and what excites you most about it?

I’ve recently been learning about our Learning Management System, and I’m excited that Southface will be introducing some online courses. Online courses are a great way to reach new audiences and will give our trainees a more flexible option for getting the classes they want or need. Also, formatting online modules is a little different than the work I normally do, so I’m excited about learning a new skill!

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to others interested in working in your field?

Be open to learning new things! On our team and throughout Southface, there is always an opportunity to learn something new.

What’s your favorite outdoor activity? 

My fiancé and I enjoy backpacking together. One of my favorite trips was this past fall – we were in Oregon, and we spent a couple of nights camping along the Big Indian Gorge Trail near Steens Mountain. We only saw two other people over the next 48 hours, and it was pretty amazing (and a little scary) to feel like we were in our own part of the world.

How is the work you’re doing contributing to a better world?

Our Education and Technical Assistance team instructs classes here in Atlanta and across the Southeast about energy efficiency and building science. The more we know about how our homes or commercial buildings work, the more motivated we are to make these spaces healthier and more efficient, and therefore happier!

What do you enjoy most about working at Southface?

I get to interact with people from all over Georgia and the Southeast. I enjoy hearing what brought people to Southface and how the classes have impacted them. I also work with a team of outstanding instructors, and that makes my job even better.



Tags: Staff

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