Dr. Portia Jackson Preston started her garden with the support of Organic Harvest Gardens, a local Black-owned mini-farm, to create a healing space for herself as she supported others. Along the way, she learned important lessons about how to navigate challenging times with resilience. More about Portia Jackson Preston: Portia Jackson Preston, DrPH is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at California State University, Fullerton. Her research focuses on multilevel approaches to developing organizational cultures that prioritize sustainability and well-being, with a focus on inclusivity and advancing health equity. At the individual level, she focuses on mindful approaches to self-care that are holistic, inclusive, and informed by identifying characteristics and lived experiences. At the organizational level, she focuses on organizational policies, practices, and procedures that promote wellbeing and professional quality of life. She was a featured speaker at TEDxCrenshaw, where she gave a talk entitled “The Missing Ingredient in Self-Care”. Dr. Jackson Preston earned her Doctorate of Public Health from UCLA, her Masters of Public Health from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her Bachelors degree from Stanford University. Prior to her career in academia, she worked for Deloitte Consulting and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consulted for Susan G. Komen Orange County, and founded Active Steps Coaching.

Portia Jackson-Preston: Black thumbs welcome: Gardening and lessons on resilience

Black thumbs welcome: Gardening and lessons on resilience

Gardening evolves from a simple pastime to a profound lesson in resilience, teaching us to embrace growth amidst adversity.

Linking gardening to family heritage, the practice becomes a bridge to past generations, grounding us in our roots and strength.

Letting go of perfection in gardening mirrors life's unpredictability, urging us to find joy and resilience in imperfection.