FLOW is excited to announce that Tessa Diem has joined our staff as Development Specialist.
Tessa has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2014, serving environmental and cultural organizations to advance their missions through roles ranging from resource development to communications. Her project and field work in aquatic ecology, biodiversity, and climate change has explored the connections between society and the environment to address how we can utilize creative and impactful solutions to address the challenges of our time.
Prior to joining FLOW, Tessa worked with The Baum Foundation and Native Conservancy to develop a sustainable kelp farming model to serve Native and rural communities in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Tessa earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan with a concentration in water resources and a deep love for the rivers, lakes, and wetlands of Michigan. She currently lives in Arcadia in northern Manistee County in northern Michigan.
“We are simply thrilled to have Tessa join the FLOW team,” said FLOW Executive Director Liz Kirkwood. “She brings a wealth of nonprofit sector experience, having served environmental and cultural organizations to advance their missions.”
“We are simply thrilled to have Tessa join the FLOW team,” said FLOW Executive Director Liz Kirkwood. “She brings a wealth of nonprofit sector experience, having served environmental and cultural organizations to advance their missions through program coordination, strategic planning, resource development, and communications. Tessa brings heart and soul to our work, sharing a deep love for the rivers, lakes, and wetlands of Michigan and the Great Lakes. Please join us in welcoming Tessa.”
We asked Tessa about her connection to the Great Lakes, her favorite place in Michigan, and her favorite Great Lakes fact.
What connected you to the Great Lakes: Growing up camping on the shores of Lake Michigan. Every day the lake offered a different personality, sometimes calm, even placid, other days exerting its power. I learned to observe and listen to nature, and the Lake was such a good teacher for that.
Favorite place in Michigan: Anywhere I can connect with our geologic history—hiking along the glacial moraines, on the beaches nestled under ancient dunes, or along the crisp, clear waters of a spring-fed creek. So many special places to feel a connection.
Favorite Great Lakes fact: Only one percent of the water in the Great Lakes system is replenished each year. The rest is the legacy of glaciers. In other words, the Great Lakes are a finite resource that must be protected!
