The Young Friends of the Garden is a group of diverse young professionals with an interest in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s work and mission. Led by an active volunteer board, the Young Friends of the Garden organize fundraising and audience development events throughout the year. Young Friends events include Trivia Night, Garden Gallop, and Fest-of-Ale.
Sign up for the Young Friends email list.
Young Friends Council
The Young Friends Council is a board of young-professional leadership volunteers who serve as ambassadors for the Garden within the community.
Young Friends Council Officers
Council Chair
Elizabeth Wells
Meet the Chair
Elizabeth Wells is Chair of the Young Friends Council for 2023–2024; here's a bit more about her.
Council Co-Chair
Susan Meyer
Past Chair
Eryn Bassett
Development Co-Chairs
Doug Gaehle and Matthew Hutchinson
Young Friends Council Members
| Ashley Adams |
Austin Lewis |
| Erica Agnew |
Tina Liu |
| Megan Ahlering |
Anne Luckey |
| Jack Arnold |
Andy Martin |
| Erica Ballard |
Jennie Meresak |
| Kate Bennett |
Jennifer Merritt |
| Katie Littlefield Castelino |
Jessica Nelson |
| Jessy Chisholm |
Emma Prince |
| Terrance Cotton |
Elise Puma |
| Erin Davis |
Gabi Randall |
| Kat Dockery |
Brittany Root |
| Mary Foley |
Han Sauer |
| Jesse Gray |
Alex Seay |
| Alzana Jakupovic |
Brenna Slavens |
| Rich Jerelds |
Brinkley Smith |
| Erin Jones |
Kate Tichelkamp |
| Mary Kate Keenoy |
Mary Tiernan |
| Jake King |
Adam Vorel |
| Jessica King |
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| Constance Lambdin |
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Join the Young Friends Council
A call for Council members is made every spring through the Young Friends email list. Council members are selected through a résumé submission process by a nominating committee consisting of current Council members and Garden staff.
To apply, please send your résumé and cover letter to young_friends@mobot.org by Friday, April 19, 2024. New members will be selected in May 2024.
Council members are expected to support the program by donating their time, participating in decision-making, and providing financial commitments. This includes but is not limited to:
- Maintaining an active Garden membership
- Attending monthly Council meetings and programs (6 Council meetings per year on Tuesday evenings)
- Supporting Young Friends events through volunteering, financial support, and attending the events (3 Young Friends events per year)
- Volunteering at Garden events
Council members are expected to serve as ambassadors for the Garden by promoting the institution and its mission to their professional and social networks.
Questions? Email young_friends@mobot.org or call (314) 577-5173.