Name
Elaine Rowland
Company/Organization
Fernwood Botanical Garden
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Fernwood is a special place where people and nature peacefully co-exist. The organization provides 105 acres of gardens, nature trails, and environmental education for all, year-round.
Age
39
Accomplishments
Being a mother to two incredible children, being a part of the 5-year campaign to build a new Education Center at Fernwood, being a part of the Fernwood team that won Organization of the Year with the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce, earning a Masters degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, serving two years (which is the max one can serve) in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps working in communities in need in the southeast United States – one of those years being during Hurricane Katrina.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I’d like to continue to assist in bolstering our community’s economic development, specifically downtown Buchanan and through our investment business, Rowland Property Group. At Fernwood, I’d like to work with our great team to increase visitation and support for the much needed environmental asset.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Photography, with a minor in Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University.
- Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
Residence
Buchanan, MI
Where were you born?
Niles, MI
What was your first job?
Oak Street Dairy Queen in Niles when I was 15.
Best advice you ever got?
At a luncheon featuring legendary former ND Coach, Lou Holtz – he said something that has stuck with me, “You cannot always control what happens to you; however, you can always control how you react to it.”
Who inspires you most?
My kids. Even though they are 3 and 5 years old, they inspire me to learn, teach, and simply take in the world around them.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I worked at the Denver Zoo in public events and marketing. I loved it so much. The best part was having the opportunity to interact with all of the animals and learn their different personalities. Also it enhanced my appreciation for the good zoos that take conservation and education very seriously.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love to spend time working in my own gardens at home. And, my happy place is sitting in a quiet, secluded spot at the beach in the sun with a good book.
What book are you reading now?
Keep Sharp by Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I am fortunate to be a Board member for the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce. We have a very engaged and passionate board that truly cares about the well-being of all things Buchanan. I enjoy being part of a group of people that strive to serve as a useful resource to Buchanan businesses and organizations as well as advocates on behalf of our community for new and exciting economic development.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
My kids. They are our next generation. I want them to appreciate where they come from, especially if/when they move away. I lived in different locations across the country and always looked forward to coming home, so when it came to raise a family – moving back was a no-brainer. It’s really important to me to give back to a community that gave me and my family so much.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
The ability to never be tired again.
What has been the most eye-opening thing about the coronavirus pandemic for you, personally?
I knew before the pandemic that teachers were heroes, but having to home-school two toddlers while still working full time remotely – I was horrible at it and they deserve gold metals.
Also, I really had to come to terms with the fact that I absolutely cannot control everything.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
It is truly an honor. Being an active member of our community is definitely a team effort. I am motivated by the positive, forward-thinking, kind people that surround me. I am grateful for the recognition, but must share it with those that encouraged (and challenged) me every step of the way: my Mom, my grandparents, my best friend of 30 years, and my husband who is my co-partner, co-creator, and co-conspirator in this adventure we call life.
Thank you for choosing me to receive this award!
