Meet the Team: Lydia Dubose

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Meet the Team: Lydia Dubose 

Welcome back to another blog spotlighting SRNA’s incredible staff. SRNA is a small but mighty team, expanding across the country and beyond. We’re excited for you to get to know the faces behind the work!  

This month, we’re spotlighting Lydia Dubose. Lydia joined the SRNA team in 2021 as a Volunteer and Community Coordinator and now serves as our Associate Director of Community and Volunteer Engagement. In 2022, she earned her Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) after years of working with volunteers to bring about local education programs, creative projects, community work days, and support programs.  

We asked Lydia a few questions to help you get to know her a little better. Read her answers below! 

What’s something new you’d like to learn? 

I enjoy dabbling in hobbies of all kinds, reading about a lot of different topics, and picking up new skills. Lately, I’ve been trying to learn what I can about landscape design and integrating native plants into a neighborhood environment. The big question that has led this learning is “how can I create a beautiful space as sustainably as possible?” I also recently went to a workshop at a local museum where I learned about the process of pattern making using linocut printmaking technique on fabric. I wasn’t very good at it, but I enjoyed the process and would like to try it again soon!

You’ve been to several National Parks! Which one has been your favorite so far? 

I love visiting National Parks and State Parks! So far, I’ve only had the chance to explore parks in the United States. My family went tent camping in the piney woods of East Texas and visited the vast desert of far West Texas in my childhood, and I’ve enjoyed discovering other places ever since. I can’t say what my favorite National Park is, there are different things that I love about each one. A few things that stand out are the spring wildflowers in Saguaro (Arizona), the turquoise lakes in Glacier (Montana), the historical and cultural significance of Mesa Verde (Colorado), the huge trees in Sequoia (California), and the incredible stars in the darkest night sky in the Guadalupe Mountains (Texas). National Parks truly have something for everyone, and there is beauty to be found in all different types of environments. I encourage everyone to visit a park in their area – whether it’s a city or state park, there are a lot of beautiful places to explore and many are working to make the outdoors more accessible for disabled people.  

What does a “typical day” of work look like for you?  

Every day is different! Some days I am deep in my emails or working on projects, other times I am in back-to-back meetings and phone calls for most of the day. Occasionally, I travel to go to events like our Walk-Run-N-Rolls, camp, or conferences.  I like working with SRNA because there is variety in what I do and flexibility that allows me to go for a walk with my dog in the middle of the day or take a break when I need it. It’s also great to be on a team that is highly collaborative and supportive of one another! 

Three books, blogs, or podcasts you love: 

I read Little Women every couple of years, it’s a childhood favorite and I resonate with the experience and dynamics of sisterhood. The podcast Ologies with Ali Ward has been in regular rotation in my headphones for the past six or seven years, it’s fun to hear from experts who love what they do and learn about new topics. My favorite cook book author is Julia Turshen, I have two of her cookbooks and love the way that she includes stories with her recipes. She also has had a podcast off-and-on called Keep Calm and Cook On, and I liked her 2024 series on lifting.  

Any other thoughts or comments you’d like to share with readers:  

Thanks for asking great questions and letting me share about myself! If you share any of my interests or have advice on the things I’m trying to learn, feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected].   

April is MOGAD Awareness Month, a time to amplify stories, raise awareness, and support those living with MOGAD. No matter how much time you have, you can make an impact this month—learn how to get involved here.