Join the Air Program in celebration of Air Quality Month!
Air quality impacts the health of humans and the environment.
In this interactive session, you will meet the Air Program Team, learn how air quality impacts your health, and play Air Quality Trivia for an opportunity to win prizes!
The Air Program Team:
Ashley Robins, Environmental Planning and Outreach Specialist, Broward County
Born and raised in Broward, I had plenty of opportunities to explore the natural world around me. Growing up in this green county inspired me to pursue my bachelor’s in marine science & biology followed by my master’s in marine conservation, both at the University of Miami. I then went on to complete seasonal positions and internships from Daytona to Key Largo before becoming a Program Coordinator at a small zoo in Pennsylvania. The cold weather brought me back to Florida and I began a new adventure as Education Specialist for Mote Aquarium. Both roles allowed me to teach about the interconnectedness of nature through interactive science-based programming. Although my background is predominantly marine, I am excited to be part of the Broward County air outreach team as an Environmental Planning and Outreach Specialist to continue educating the public on environmental concepts, issues, and solutions!
Levent Akinci, Environmental Planning and Outreach Specialist, Broward County
Levent Akinci is an Environmental Planning and Outreach Specialist with Broward County. He attained his bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Miami and continued his education at The Ohio State University with a Master of Science degree, specializing in submarine landslides and salt tectonics. He has significant experience with informal education from his previous career as an educational eco-tourism guide in Hawaii and was often commended on his ability to inspire children to make a positive impact on the environment. He believes connecting people to the environments around them is the best way to get them to understand environmental issues, but also uses his positive attitude and compassion to encourage others to care about those issues. The unique wildlife and natural beauty of South Florida’s landscape continue to push Levent to keep inspiring others to protect and preserve the environment alongside him.
Monica Ospina, Environmental Planning and Outreach Coordinator, Broward County
Nature and making connections with people have always inspired Monica; and science was her favorite subject in school. She holds two bachelor’s degrees: biology and environmental sciences. Her passion for environmental protection led her to volunteer as an Environmental Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator AmeriCorps member in Durham, North Carolina. After her adventure in North Carolina Monica moved back to South Florida. She began her career as a Natural Resource Specialist for Broward County’s Air Program in 2018; and has been dubbed the Air Quality Cheerleader. As of 2019, Monica leads the Outreach team as an Environmental Planning and Outreach Coordinator.
Kenneth Dobies, Environmental Marketing and Outreach Specialist, LEED Green Associate
Broward County Natural Resources Division, Air Quality Program
Born and raised in Northeast Ohio I attended a vocational high school for commercial art which developed my drawing and design abilities. I continued my education at the University of Akron and attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design. With more than forty years of experience in many different facets within the graphic design field including production assistant, graphic designer, art director, creative director, freelance designer, and account manager each promotion has made me a well-rounded designer. My career transitioned into new media as a web developer, designer, and content manager. My background includes web site best practices, accessibility, planning, researching and authoring content.
I have had two career paths within Broward County. My first was in the Office of Public Communications as a senior digital media designer, I held that position for nearly nine years, I took a brief journey to New Mexico, and came back to Broward County on my second career path as a marketing development associate for the Go Solar Program in which I endorsed the solar permitting system. I was promoted to a natural resource specialist/environmental marketing and outreach specialist, with a combined 9 years of experience in both job classifications. My duties as a natural resource specialist/environmental marketing and outreach specialist include designing and producing various marketing materials; developing and producing promotional videos and PowerPoint presentations; establishing marketing communications initiatives such as direct marketing, promotional outreach events, workshops, public relations, and advertising to promote my current division.
I also have attained LEED Green Associate Certification, National Center for Construction Education and Research Certification, and National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward Certification. All certifications help me understand green building principles and sustainability which I can affectively promote green building practices and energy policy. I am also a multiple NACo and Nacio award winner in design.
AGE GROUP: | Teens | Everyone | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Workshop | Online/Virtual | Health & Wellness |
TAGS: | Celebrate the Earth |
Mon, Oct 21 | 12:00PM to 8:00PM |
Tue, Oct 22 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Wed, Oct 23 | 12:00PM to 8:00PM |
Thu, Oct 24 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Fri, Oct 25 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Sat, Oct 26 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Sun, Oct 27 | Closed |