We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ana Maria Quintero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ana Maria below.
Ana Maria, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have learned to be effective in the room by first listening while everyone in the room speaks and discusses a subject matter, second I think about the subject matter and discussion on my own quietly, and third, if I have something to add I get to the point with my words. By waiting for everyone else to participate first I am being effective with my time and thoughts since most individuals have similar answers for a subject matter being discussed. I prefer to listen to other individuals participate first and use my thoughts to add an opinion or fact that no one else has said. I also use my time to think about things that are related to the subject matter but are out of the norm and add them at the end. It is good to stand out especially if you are the only one in the room that looks like you.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I graduated from the University of South Florida St Pete Honors Program with a degree in Geography and a Concentration in Conservation of Society and the Environment and a Minor in Environmental Policy. While I attended the school I also managed the food forest where I became enamored with the art of worm farming with Red Wiggler Worms. I am a Geographer and a Worm Farmer. I educate individuals on how to use composting Red Wiggler Worms to transform food waste into nutrient rich worm castings, an organic fertilizer used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. It is special because it helps divert food waste away from landfills, transform trash(food waste) into treasure(worm castings), and helps the soil by working alongside composting worms. Watching small children, adults and seniors eyes of wonder and be mesmerized when they hold a worm in their hand for the first time or put a worm farm together using a drill is priceless. Laica Worms & Vermicast will be tabling at local markets, teaching worm farming classes at different locations around Florida, setting up worm farms at schools, gardens, food forests, farms & ranches among others. We want to teach everyone the art of worm farming and we are now taking apprentices from all over the world. Email us to find out more information at [email protected] or visit our website www.laicaworms.com.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Organizational skills, speaking three languages, and problem solving.
Start learning a new language. It is never too late to start. Take time to be organized and use an agenda or a calendar and keep up with your schedule. Always prioritize your tasks daily and monthly. You can also create spreadsheets to keep yourself organized.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
The sort of folk I am looking to collaborate with is someone that creates food waste and is willing to take the time to not only do something about it but also share their story with others. Everyone should be informed about the possibility of using worms to transform food waste and help keep food waste away from landfills. It is time for all of us to take ownership of our own food waste and stop believing in the idea of out of sight out of mind. Out of sight means that someone else is taking that food waste to a landfill and it is polluting the environment. Instead of doing the usual with your trash, do something different with it and become a worm farmer. Transform your food waste into nutrient rich worm castings that will bring soil back to life and feed your plants organic nutrients. Let’s transform food waste into treasure (worm castings) together. To learn more email us at [email protected] or visit our website www.laicaworms.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laicaworms.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/laicawormss?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaicaWorms/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/anamariaquinterogomez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LaicaWorms
- Other: https://www.teepublic.com/user/laicaworms http://buymeacoffee.com/laicaworms/ https://www.tiktok.com/@laicawormss
Image Credits
Professor Dave Himmelfarb.
