ABOUT
​MISSION
Women in Horticulture is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in June 2016, and the community continues to grow through volunteer-led programs in the Philadelphia region and partner events further afield. Our mission is to provide free or low-cost networking opportunities for those who identify as women in horticulture and related industries. We hope to create a community of horticulturists that respects diversity, strives for inclusion, and rewards contributions to our shared field. Mentorship, peer learning, and space to trade practical ideas remain central to how we operate.
​
We are a volunteer-run organization that thrives on support from individuals in big and small ways. Women in Horticulture would not exist, nor move forward with our mission, without the contributions of people across our field and the backing of horticultural and cultural partners.
PILLARS
Low-Cost Events
Keeping our events free or low-cost means more people have the opportunity to attend them. Knowledge and networking are powerful tools. We do not want money standing between people and their tools to success!
Mentoring
Finding a mentor or mentee is hard. We hope our events help people build natural connections that create symbiotic learning opportunities.
Idea Exchange
Discussion is the key to developing thoughts which in turn lead to actions. Those involved with Women in Hort will find our events an ideal place to share new ideas on the topics of working women and horticulture.
Diversity
We strive to have a diverse group of advocates for people who identify as women in horticulture. We aim to connect the for-profit with non-profit sectors and scientists with artists. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and all genders are invited to come support and promote Women in Horticulture.
THE TEAM
CAT MEHOLIC
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Co-founder of Women in Hort. Cat completed internships at University of Delaware Botanic Gardens, Polly Hill Arboretum, Mt. Cuba, and Chanticleer. Worked as the Plant Recorder at Mt. Cuba, before heading back to University of Delaware where she received her M.S. in Plant Science focused on Living Collections Management. Presently, she is a Horticulturist at Hagley Museum and Libraries. She also teaches Introduction to Public Horticulture for undergraduate students at Temple University.
RACHEL BURLINGTON
CO-FOUNDER
Co-founder of Women in Horticulture. Previously the rose gardener at the Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation. Now Rachel is the Curator of the International Rose Test Garden in Portland, Oregon where she is helping to start another Women in Horticulture group!
KATE GALER
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Kate Galer is the Program Director for Women in Horticulture. Kate lives in Ardmore with her family and three cats. Kate has worked with children with special needs for over 25 years and has a Masters in Education from Temple University. She works (for money) at Belmont Hills Elementary School where she runs the Children’s Garden. Kate has volunteered extensively in the areas of the environment and horticulture, including serving as chair of the Lower Merion Township Environmental Council for 8 years and helping to build Linwood Park in Ardmore. She believes that we all must do what we can to make our own small worlds and the larger world livable for humans, plants, and creatures.
.png)
TERRY DONAHUE
SECRETARY & TREASURER
Terry Donahue is a lifelong gardener and admirer of nature. She is a horticulturist and educator with strong interest and experience in nature-based early education. Terry is delighted to be a member of this wonderful organization.
EMILIA ZABEGAY
WEBSITE EDITOR
Emilia received her Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Temple University. She has worked for Gasper Landscapes doing everything from customer service to custom planters. She currently works for Morris Arboretum in their greenhouse, and does freelance fine gardening for private clients. She focuses on ecological horticulture and looks for work that lets her keep learning how people interact with complex natural systems.
FEATURED IN PRINT
Women in Hort was featured in the Spring 2019 issue of PHS's GROW Magazine.