Akua Nyame-Mensah is the 2011-12 AmeriCorps member for the community-based watershed education program at the Thurston Conservation District, South Sound GREEN (Global Rivers Environmental Education Network).

Akua completed her Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, with a concentration in environmental and land use planning, at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design in 2011 and graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 2010 with a Bachelor in Growth and Structures of Cities.  She is a Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Green Associate and National Association for Interpretation Certified Guide.

Akua enjoys working with students and providing opportunities for them to learn about their communities.  Prior to working with students at the Thurston Conservation District, she worked with college youth as a hall advisor and through camp programs.  She has also worked with international youth aged 16 – 25 as a member of a youth NGO based in the Netherlands.

As the AmeriCorps member of the South Sound GREEN program, Akua is responsible for outreach and volunteer coordination as well as the development of education and promotional materials. In addition to assisting with field trips and service projects, Akua also visits classrooms, giving presentations and guiding students to look at land use in their communities as it impacts water quality and habitat.

In her spare time Akua enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, soccer, and reading about urban/ environmental planning issues around the world.