Meet OJ Ward: NVCT’s Community and Partnerships Fellow

Say hello to OJ Ward, our current Community and Partnerships Fellow! Since joining NVCT in August, OJ has focused on building partnerships with local organizations, supporting outreach initiatives, and helping strengthen our mission to make conservation more inclusive and accessible to all. Her passion for community engagement and environmental health makes her an invaluable part of the NVCT team. 

1. What did you study in school, and what motivated you to choose that path? 

OJ studied biology and biomedical sciences at the University of Mary Washington. She was inspired to pursue this field because of her deep desire to help others overcome challenges similar to those she faced growing up. 

Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, OJ experienced a strong disconnection from nature and green spaces. “In Memphis, there is an extensive history of discrimination against Black people. They were often pushed to the outskirts of the city, into industrial zones or near highways, without easy access to the outdoors or fresh produce and vegetables.” Witnessing and experiencing these inequities inspired OJ to focus on the intersection of human health and environmental health, where she hopes to make a lasting difference. 

2. What led you to pursue an internship in land conservation? 

“While I was growing up, it was evident to me that those in low-income areas had less access to clean air, water, and healthy produce that comes from nearby farms. There was a lot of pollution in the air and water, and people had many health problems because of this.” 

Before transferring to the University of Mary Washington, OJ attended the University of Memphis, where she began researching the overlap between environmental issues and systemic racism. During her time at Mary Washington, NVCT Board Alum Ranjit Singh, a political science professor, introduced her to the organization. Their shared discussions about environmental justice and equity eventually led OJ to our team—something we’re very grateful for! 

3. In your own words, what kind of work do you do for NVCT? 

“I work mainly with Amelia, the Partnerships Coordinator, to develop partnerships with underserved communities and get the public involved in conservation.” 

Beyond partnership development, OJ helps analyze and strengthen our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) work—examining how NVCT communicates these values to the public and identifying ways to grow our impact. She also supports outreach events, designs quick-turnaround graphics, and helps wherever needed to ensure our message reaches as many people as possible. 

4. Do you have a favorite outdoor spot in Stafford? 

“I do! We go on base a lot, it’s called Lunga Park. It’s a park within a Marine base in Stafford where soldiers can go camping, hiking, and fishing with their families. They provide a lot of resources for those on base, and much of it is accessible and affordable for families.” 

OJ fondly remembers fishing and camping at Lunga Park as a child and continues to share that tradition with her younger brother. “He’s inside on his phone a lot, so I’m excited for our first camping trip together. I’m always encouraging him to go outside more—especially since moving here (NOVA), we have more access to it.” 

5. What stood out to you about the internship with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust? 

“With NVCT specifically, the emphasis on access and the TTG garden motivated me to work with y’all because in Memphis, there wasn’t anything. NVCT’s work creates resources and access to nature I wish I had growing up. The emphasis on DEIA during this time was also important to me. I wanted to work with an organization that put that at the forefront.” 

6. What has surprised you most about working in land conservation? 

“I didn’t expect that the organization would have such personal relationships with landowners. From the outside looking in, the organization looks bigger than it is, and it’sastounding how a small group can get so much work done and have deep cooperative relationships with so many different landowners. It may seem all business; however, that isn’t the case. NVCT often knows landowners by name and face and works closely with all of them.” Our stewards often take years to develop a trusting and strong relationship with landowners so they can have an active role in stewarding their own land. 

7. What are your plans after this internship? What are your larger career goals? 

 “I would still love to continue to work for the organization after the internship if possible! My long-term goals are to return to school, get my master’s in environmental health, and find a job that covers these intersections between human health, underserved communities, and the environment.” 

OJ also hopes to become a bridge between scientific knowledge and the public, helping make complex environmental and health information accessible to everyone. She believes that empowering communities with knowledge is key to inspiring action and improving overall well-being. 

OJ Ward’s passion, drive, and unique perspective continue to enrich NVCT’s mission of conservation through equity and community connection. Her work reminds us that protecting nature is also about protecting people—and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to enjoy and care for the land we share. We’re honored to have OJ on our team and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll continue to make in the field of environmental health and beyond.