Tamara Jolly is a passionate advocate for making nature accessible and inclusive for everyone. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Ohio State University and a Master’s in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, Tamara dedicated 15 years to teaching high school science in inner-city Baltimore.
As a woman of color, Tamara has confronted the challenges of exclusion in outdoor spaces, fueling her mission to broaden access and foster inclusivity in nature for marginalized communities. Driven by this vision, she took a transformative year-long sabbatical and attended the SUNY School of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Ranger School. There, she honed her skills in field techniques, experienced the profound benefits of outdoor learning, and was honored to graduate as class valedictorian.
Tamara’s commitment extends beyond the classroom. She has served as a Master Ambassador for the Educator Program at the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and contributes to the Adirondack Explorer Magazine’s board. Tamara devotes additional time to many community organizations, including the Baltimore Civil Rights Trip. Her expertise also spans diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting, as well as mentoring new teachers.