Beth Alaimo of Root

Tell us about what you do for business.

I am the Program Director at Root, a Youth Job Training Program based in Salem, MA. We utilize the culinary arts & food service industry as a tool for equipping young people with the hard & soft skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Youth who have completed the 3-month program report a growth in their confidence, independence, and motivation. Ultimately, Root is a launching pad for young people transitioning into adulthood!

Everyone’s got a story. Tell us about you (What’s your background? How did you get here? Where are you hopefully heading?).

In 2010, I received my undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Ecology from the University of Connecticut. While I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, I knew I was passionate about the environment and culture. Soon after graduation, I enrolled in AmeriCorps and served as an Environmental Educator for the state of Rhode Island. This was one of the best decisions of my life. I developed a passion for teaching, connecting youth to the environment, and learned a lot about myself. I spent the following years working for the Audubon Society of RI and the Norman Bird Sanctuary as an Education Coordinator.

Eager to better understand the world I live in, I attended Concordia University where I obtained a Masters Degree in International Development & Service. While studying abroad in Ecuador and Italy, I focused my research on the intersection between human rights and the environment. By the end of the program, I had lived with three different host families, visited 7 different countries, and became fluent in Spanish. In 2015, I relocated to the beautiful Cusco, Peru, where I worked as a Field Manager, coordinating international volunteers at a variety of community-based organizations.

After two years in Peru, I moved back to the states to utilize my newly acquired skill set on the North Shore. I hope to bring my international perspective and diverse work experience to guide young people along their path to happiness.

What motivates you (causes; any advocacy/activism/initiatives you’re working on, long-term goals, etc.)?

Farming, Food, Nature, Anti-Racism, Multiculturalism, and the great outdoors!!

Why are you joining The Next Gen Network?

Looking forward to meeting like minded young professionals!

Industry?

Nonprofit/Community Organization

How do you want to grow your business?

New connections/Community

Name:

Beth Alaimo

Professional title:

Program Director

Name of Business:

Root North Shore