Jen Palmer - We Are Not Meant to Walk Through the World Alone

"We are not meant to walk through the world alone, and having other women to guide, support, and champion you can make a profound difference. Mentorship creates a space for shared wisdom, encouragement, and empowerment, helping women navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build confidence."

Jen Palmer is a global nomad who serves as Special Initiatives Lead for Women's Earth Alliance and works as a Wellness + Somatic Coach. She's a mentor on the Climate Bridges Be One Mentorship Program. Her insights reflect a three-decade journey in conservation and sustainability—and why she's passionate about mentoring the next generation of climate leaders.

From Wildlife Conservation to Community-Centered Climate Action

Jen's journey into climate and sustainability began with a pivotal realization: "After a decade working as a wildlife specialist, I realized that protecting the places and animals I loved couldn't be done in isolation. True conservation and sustainability required working hand in hand with local communities."

Living around the world deepened this understanding: "I saw firsthand how deeply people were affected by climate change — often those who contributed the least to the crisis were bearing the greatest burdens. That realization was pivotal for me. It became a calling to shift my focus toward more community-centered, heartfelt approaches to climate and sustainability, where human resilience and environmental protection are inseparable."

Her path wasn't without challenges. "Being a woman in conservation and sustainability comes with its fair share of barriers and challenges. Early in my career, I often found myself in male-dominated spaces where my voice wasn't always taken as seriously, or where leadership opportunities were less accessible to women."

But these obstacles became opportunities for growth: "What helped me overcome these challenges was a combination of persistence, mentorship, and community. I sought out women leaders who had navigated similar paths, and their guidance gave me both perspective and encouragement. I also learned to lean into my unique strengths — empathy, collaboration, and the ability to build trust within communities — which proved just as valuable as technical expertise."

Breaking the Burnout Cycle

After nearly three decades in the field, Jen challenges a common misconception about climate work: "A common misconception is that working in climate and sustainability means you have to give everything you have, all the time. Many people in this field face burnout or compassion fatigue because they push themselves unsustainably, often while being underpaid or stretched thin."

"The truth is, this work is never-ending — there will always be more to do. To make a lasting impact, it's essential to care for yourself, too. Pausing to rest, reflect, and celebrate life is not only okay, it's necessary. Our contributions are stronger and more sustainable when we show up whole and well."

The Power of Women's Leadership

What excites Jen most about the current climate movement is clear: "What excites me most is the growing recognition of women environmental leaders around the world and the ways they're working together to create sustainable, community-driven solutions. Women are often on the frontlines of climate impacts, and they bring unique knowledge, innovation, and resilience to the table."

Mentorship as Essential Support

Jen's motivation to mentor stems from her own early experiences: "I've been in this field for nearly 30 years and had very few mentors or guides along the way when I was younger—especially women. That experience made me realize how important it is to support the next generation of women leaders, to help them avoid some of the struggles I had to fight through on my own."

Her approach to mentorship reflects her holistic worldview: "For me, mentoring is about the strength that comes from togetherness and sharing wisdom. What I find most rewarding is the exchange itself—I not only get to support my mentee, but I also learn from her perspective and celebrate her successes. It gives me so much hope for the future."

The impact goes beyond professional development: "One of the most impactful parts of my mentorship journey has been witnessing my mentee's growth—both professionally and personally. Being able to offer insight on strategic career decisions while also sharing wellness and holistic guidance on how to stay strong during stressful or overwhelming times was deeply meaningful."

Her Message to Future Climate Leaders and Mentors

For those looking to enter climate and sustainability work, Jen's advice is grounding: "Start by listening and learning from the communities and people already doing the work. Climate and sustainability are vast fields, and there's no single path in — so focus on where your skills, passions, and values intersect with the needs of the movement."

To potential mentors, her message is encouraging: "Go for it. Mentorship is not about having all the answers, it's about showing up with authenticity, care, and a willingness to share what you've learned along the way. Being a mentor is as much about listening as it is about advising, and you'll often find yourself learning and growing alongside your mentee."

Building Supportive Community

Thank you, Jen, for showing how mentorship becomes a pathway to building the supportive community that climate leaders need to thrive sustainably.

Ready to discover the strength that comes from togetherness? Jen's story demonstrates that meaningful climate work flourishes when we support each other through authentic mentorship relationships. Join the Climate Bridges Be One Mentorship Program and help build the next generation of sustainable leaders.