Hello New Hanover County!

I am thrilled to introduce myself as your new N.C. Cooperative Extension Consumer Horticulture
Agent and Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Volunteer Program Coordinator. My name is
Gabriella de Souza, and it is an honor to serve this vibrant community, sharing my passion for horticulture, education, and sustainability.

My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to science, education, and community engagement. I hold a dual degree in Biology and Environmental Science, as well as a Master’s in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW). During my graduate studies, I conducted research on Theobroma cacao agroforestry in Southern Belize, exploring sustainable agriculture and its role in supporting ecosystems and communities. I also gained
industry experience in the microbiology department at Alcami Services Corp., which further honed
my technical expertise.

I have also been fortunate to serve in various leadership roles that have allowed me to give back to the community I love. From 2018 to 2023, I served on the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council, first as a member and later as Secretary. During that time, I developed a deep appreciation for the breadth and impact of Extension’s programs, and I am excited to continue learning about all the amazing work Extension offers while helping to strengthen those programs for the future.

In addition, I served as a Board Member on the New Hanover County Parks Conservancy Board of Directors (2021 to 2022), where I worked to support parks and green spaces in our community. As Executive Director of Friends of Wilmington Skateparks from 2021 to 2024, I helped support the local skateboarding community through park maintenance, expansion efforts, and free community events. I also founded and ran The Plant Ecologist, a small community education business that provided hands-on horticulture education opportunities. These roles allowed me to merge my love of science and outreach, equipping me with skills I am eager to bring to this new position.

Thank you for welcoming me into this incredible role. I am excited to collaborate with each of you and continue to build on the amazing work being done by Extension here in New Hanover County.

Warm regards,

Gabriella de Souza, M.S.
Consumer Horticulture Agent & Master Gardener Program Coordinator
Statewide EMG Program Southeast Advisory Team Member
New Hanover County ‑ Cooperative Extension