Adia Effiong describes her background as eclectic, laced with meaningful experiences and constant stretching outside of her comfort zone. Her love of people and her passion for health and education have been the constant thread woven throughout her work. She was born in Pittsburgh but grew up in Harrisburg, PA where she ran her family’s child care business for five years after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh.
When Adia first learned about the Edible School Yard and the wonderful work happening all over the country, she decided to plant a vegetable garden at her child care center for the staff and children to learn and grow their own food. She feels fortunate to be able to recreate that experience this fall with the children and teachers she will be working with at Brashear High School, Pittsburgh Classical Academy, and Pittsburgh Liberty K-5.
Immediately before joining Grow Pittsburgh, she served as the Director for Y on the Fly, a YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh summer program that brings physical activity and healthy snack assembly to children via van in “recreation deserts.” Adia was elated to find the Garden educator position because it would allow her to continue working with children around healthy eating.
Adia’s background is in public health and she has served as a member of the Pittsburgh Health Corps, Community Health Advisor in Peace Corps Malawi and most recently in the Allegheny County Health Department as a Public Health Program Representative.
Adia loves to travel and deeply enjoys mango season and sparkly things.