In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting a few of the incredible women who help our Garden grow. Across every department, their knowledge, passion, and dedication shape how we nurture plants and connect our community to the natural world. Read on to learn more about their work, their favorite plants, and the places in the Garden that inspire them most.
SCIENCE & CONSERVATION
Rachel Sadowski, Conservation Manager
Rachel leads fieldwork efforts across Southern California, searching for rare plants and helping ensure their long-term survival through seed banking and living collections.
“I lead our fieldwork team in surveys around Southern California where we search for rare plants that we can collect seed from… so that we can help preserve these wild populations through long-term conservation strategies.”
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Abronia villosa var. Villosa, (hairy sand verbena)
- Beyond the Garden: Soccer, running, camping, backpacking
- Not a fan of: Spicy food
- Favorite Garden spot: Bamboo Garden
Rebekah Shane, Conservation Science I Specialist
Rebekah’s work spans seed collection, germination trials, restoration, and herbarium curation—no two days look the same.
“I’ve found that the work with the greatest impact is done in the community.”
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Amaryllis belladonna (jersey lily)
- Beyond the Garden: Ocean air, foggy days, Fiona Apple
- Not a fan of: Driving, banana peels
- Favorite Garden spot: A hidden bench in the Bamboo Garden near the bonsais
Emma Cheves, Medicinal Plant Collections & Nursery Specialist
Emma works behind the scenes in the nursery, cultivating native and specialty plants that support medicinal research.
Her favorite plant, Dorstenia gigas, is as unusual as it is captivating—thick-trunked and otherworldly in form.
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Dorstenia gigas (Socotra fig tree)
- Beyond the Garden: Movie theaters, bulbs, eBay browsing, big dogs
- Not a fan of: Traffic, ants, small dogs
- Favorite Garden spot: The Dragon Tree Grove or her greenhouse
Carolina Saucedo Cervantes, Rare Plant RaMP Specialist
Carolina’s research focuses on plant chemistry, exploring how different parts of the same plant can vary in composition—work that may help shape more sustainable harvesting practices.
“This work will hopefully deepen our understanding… and help inform future sustainable harvesting practices.”
Her favorite plant, Hoya carnosa, is beloved for its sculptural leaves and delicate blooms.
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Hoya carnosa
- Beyond the Garden: Matcha, redwood forests, concerts, crocheting
- Not a fan of: Lemon desserts, summer, sprinkles
- Favorite Garden spot: Lily pond in the Bamboo Garden
GUEST SERVICES & MEMBERSHIP
Tyler Smith, Guest & Membership Services Supervisor
Tyler leads the frontline team that shapes each visitor’s experience, helping guests connect more deeply with the Garden and its collections.
“I love helping guests find their connection to the Garden and its collection. I’m passionate about stewarding this place for the future given how ecologically significant places like the Garden are for our wildlife and plant life!”
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Tillandsia crocata ‘Copper Penny’
- Beyond the Garden: Birding, camping, board games, home gardening
- Not a fan of: Licorice
- Favorite Garden spot: Native Plants and Native People Trail
Noelle Stewart, Guest Services & Membership Associate
As one of the first faces guests see, Noelle helps welcome visitors, answer questions, and guide them through their experience.
Her favorite plant, the California poppy, is an iconic native—bright, resilient, and deeply tied to Southern California.
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Eschscholzia californica (California poppy)
- Beyond the Garden: Hiking, aerial hoop, vintage mugs, rabbits
- Not a fan of: Scary movies, football, swimming in lakes
- Favorite Garden spot: Native Plants and Native People Trail
Nicolette Bailey, Guest Services & Membership Data Specialist
Working behind the scenes, Nicolette ensures systems run smoothly—building ticketing experiences and analyzing data to improve the visitor experience.
“I track the success of events and campaigns—and figure out how we can improve the Garden experience for everyone.”
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Passiflora edulis (Lilikoi, passion fruit)
- Beyond the Garden: Dancing, crafting, time outdoors
- Not a fan of: Clutter
Favorite Garden spot: Bamboo Garden
EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT
Jessica Monahan, Director of Engagement & Member Services
Jessica designs experiences that bring the Garden to life—from school programs to concerts to wellness offerings—all rooted in connection.
“I’m a working parent and feel strongly about leaving my kids an environment that can sustain their future. This work is meaningful to me because it is important for all of us!”
Her favorite plant is the acacia tree just outside her office window, alive with movement and wildlife.
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Acacia tree outside her office window
- Beyond the Garden: Travel, tortilla chips, playing golf, cheering on her kids
- Not a fan of: Cold weather, ants, pigs
- Favorite Garden spot: Bamboo Garden (summer), Rainforest (winter)
Rachel S., Education & Public Programs Manager
Rachel oversees the Garden’s seasonal programming, creating engaging experiences that deepen connection for visitors of all ages.
“I love designing unique programs that open the magic of the Garden to everyone—not only plant lovers!”
- Favorite plant (at the moment): Fushia spp.
- Beyond the Garden: Graphic memoirs, color-shifting eyeshadow, finding the perfect emoji
- Not a fan of: Zucchini, e-books, heels
- Favorite Garden spot: Turtle pond in the Bamboo Garden
From seed banks and scientific research to guest experiences and educational programming, these women represent the many ways care, curiosity, and expertise take root at San Diego Botanic Garden. Their stories are a reminder that the Garden is more than a beautiful place. It is a collective effort shaped every day by the people who tend to it.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate not only what they do, but also the passion and perspective they bring, helping ensure the Garden continues to grow, evolve, and inspire for generations to come.