Meet JESSICA HOWELL-EDWARDS | Mom of Four. Advocate.

We had the good fortune of connecting with JESSICA HOWELL-EDWARDS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JESSICA, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
In my mind, I see my mother’s face when I say this – but it was actually Einstein who said, “What is right is not always popular, what is popular is not always right.”

I think it serves as a simple reminder that we each have an obligation to think critically.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I refer to myself as an “accidental advocate”. I began my career as a journalist, and transitioned into direct marketing as the digital era took hold. I spent years working in marketing and advertising, and always felt a pull to use my skills in a more meaningful or impactful way. As my own family grew, it was less of a pull — and more of a mandate.

There’s nothing more fulfilling than using your unique skill set to help protect something you care about. And I care about our future.

I currently serve as Executive Director for Wild Cumberland, a grassroots nonprofit organization consisting entirely of volunteers who care a lot about one particular place: Cumberland Island and its Wilderness.

Our supporters understand that Wilderness helps to provide clean water, air, and other resources necessary for our survival; we understand that our state would not thrive without the protection that our largest barrier island provides.

We hope that, together, we can increase awareness and understanding of Wilderness to facilitate better stewardship of our public lands. Our own survival depends on it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d want to spend a day at the Atlanta History Center, and Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium. Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a great experience, especially for families with younger kids.

Speaking of kids…Revolution Donuts is a favorite in my house – they can accommodate so many dietary needs! I’d probably insist we hit a traditional meat-and-three like Matthew’s Cafeteria in Tucker for lunch — those are getting a lot harder to find, but central to Southern culture. You can find delicious barbecue on almost every street corner, but Old Brick Pit Barbeque on Peachtree Road is where I’d go — they’ve been getting it right for over 40 years.

We always make a stop at HomeGrown in Decatur for local, handcrafted souvenirs.

For a night out, I’d go with Starlight Drive-In, a game at Comet Pub & Lanes, or an improv show at Dad’s Garage, Village, or Whole World Theatres. Joystick or Sister Louisa’s are good last stops.

Truthfully, it’s most meaningful for me if visitors can experience the incredible breadth of natural resources that surround Atlanta. To do that, we’d start with a hike at Black Rock Mountain and a visit to the Foxfire museum; then we’d head towards Indian or Magnolia Springs. But you’ve done yourself a real disservice if you don’t continue on through south Georgia to the Okefenokee Swamp — culminating your trip with the beauty of golden hour on our coastline.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband deserves this shoutout, because he empowers me to live authentically every day.

Website: Wildcumberland.org

Instagram: @wild_cumberland

Linkedin: @jessicabhowell

Twitter: @wild_cumberland

Facebook: @wild_cumberand

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCkfLMx9zxu9cbZUPrdFA7EQ