Pioneer in Bee Conservation and Education

MY IMPACT

Emily Huffstetler is the founder of Build for Bees, where for the past 6 years, she has been working to prevent the alarming decline of various bee populations nationwide in the USA.

MY JOURNEY

Bees play a crucial part in protecting biodiversity, bolstering food security, beautifying communities and inspiring innovation. Through educational workshops and mason bee house installations, Emily and her team are protecting and restoring many suffering bee populations.

From a young age, Emily cared about the environment, and took action to protect it. From age 9, she brought classmates together to make “stop deforestation” posters and voice concerns about environmental degradation. In the process, she was inspired by Jane Goodall, who has worked extensively on conservation issues. In addition, Emily was inspired by the Girls Scouts of America organization, stating that “in Girls Scouts, you have an idea, and you have the opportunity to pursue it.”

MY HOPE

When asked what advice she would give her younger self knowing what she knows now, Emily stated that she would prioritize remembering those who first supported her and continue thanking them. Emily said, “it’s great to think about growth, but it’s so important to not forget your foundation.” Each time someone helps Emily, she strives to write it down and give back to the people who support her.

Emily is inspired by the kids who attend the Build for Bees workshops. She is impressed by how much kids of kindergarten age already know about bees and bee biodiversity. There is a bright and hopeful future ahead!