Monse Estrada is a dynamic force at SustainEd Farms, a nonprofit based in Denver, Colorado. SustainEd Farms’ mission to "Grow Food. Grow Knowledge. Grow Justice." resonates deeply in both Monse’s work and personal values. As the Bilingual Programming Coordinator, Monse works with students from early childhood education through high school. Through their leadership in Gardening, Food Justice, and Nutrition enrichments with students at Kepner Beacon Middle School and McAuliffe International School, Monse is not just teaching students about sustainability and food justice – they are living the mission, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Monse's commitment to environmental education is palpable in everything they do. They approach each lesson with enthusiasm, imparting not just knowledge but a deep passion for sustainability. During Kepner Beacon’s Food Justice enrichment, where Monse works with a group of middle school students three times a week, students were learning about food insecurity and food waste. Monse took it upon themselves to reach out to Denver Community Fridges, who have a free fridge near the school, and ask someone to come in and speak to the students about this resource in their community. After students learned all about the purpose of the free fridges (to rescue food and to feed people), they led a food drive and took a field trip to clean and stock the free fridge. Students were able to see, firsthand, that they could have a positive impact in their community and on the environment. Whether it’s planting seeds, harvesting crops, or discussing the interconnectedness of food systems and social justice, Monse creates an immersive learning experience that brings students into the heart of environmental issues. Monse has fostered an invaluable sense of curiosity and responsibility within the students they work with.

Monse consistently goes beyond curriculum to bring new ideas to life. This looks like: traveling to all 30+ of our school partner gardens to create detailed maps so that we can better assess our impact and maximize how much food we can grow with students, creating closed-loop systems by constructing large hoop houses to store straw for a school’s chickens and goats, and securing high-quality cooking equipment through thoughtful grant-writing to ensure students can cook the food they grow. These efforts not only improve the physical spaces but also strengthen the idea that sustainability can be lived out in small, everyday practices – like ensuring that school gardens are more than just a place for plants, but a space where the principles of environmental stewardship, conservation, and sustainability are practiced everyday.

Monse’s work at SustainEd Farms embodies the very essence of environmental education – fostering awareness, building leadership, and inspiring action. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to nurturing young minds ensure that the next generation of environmental leaders is empowered, knowledgeable, and ready to take on the pressing challenges of today’s world.

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