Kennesaw State graduate turns passion for sustainability into full-time role with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps

For Brissa Hernandez, a volunteer shift in the KSU Food Forest turned into a life-changing moment—one that helped her rediscover a passion for the earth and ultimately led to a full-time role with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC).

As part of RMYC’s Conservation Corps program, Brissa will work alongside a diverse team on meaningful environmental projects such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and public land improvements. It’s a hands-on role that aligns perfectly with her long-term goal of working in corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

“When I first moved to KSU, I started volunteering at the Field Station’s Food Forest,” Brissa said. “That’s where I fell in love again with getting my hands dirty and giving back to the earth. It was also where I met Dajawn Williams, a sustainability specialist who inspired me to explore conservation work. Without that experience, I wouldn’t have discovered this path.”

Brissa credits KSU for helping her grow in ways she never expected. Through volunteerism, student organizations, and career development resources, she developed resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of how to connect her business background with environmental impact.

She also found guidance through mentors like Dajawn Williams, whose encouragement helped her see how sustainability could become a career. “He didn’t just teach me about sustainability—he helped me realize how it aligns with my values and goals,” she said.