Karen Mashburn Environmental Scholars Program
Karen Mashburn was a long-tenured member of the Friends of the Everglades Board of Directors who was instrumental in establishing and stewarding the Young Friends of the Everglades youth education program. During her lifetime, more than 100,000 students in Miami-Dade County participated in Young Friends of the Everglades and were inspired by the legendary leadership of Marjory Stoneman Douglas and the importance of preserving the only Everglades in the world.
Karen’s incredible legacy is one of passion, dedication and creativity. Throughout her life, she worked as an executive assistant, an editor, a Director of Organizations and a Master Gardener. A dedicated environmental advocate, she loved the outdoors and spent much time in her garden. She was active in the community – volunteering to read to the blind on public radio, operating as a tour guide and tram driver for Fairchild Gardens and advocating for people’s rights. Like Marjory, Karen spoke her mind wherever she was and to whomever would listen.
In 2023, Karen’s husband, Jerry Mashburn, made a gift to Friends of the Everglades allowing for creation of the Karen Mashburn Environmental Scholars Program in her memory.
Scholarship and Internship Recipients
2026: Frances Josma
Growing up in a Haitian household taught Frances that conservation is more than an environmental concept — it is a way of life rooted in our responsibility to protect the natural resources that sustain us.
School: Florida State University
Majors: Public Health, Environment & Society
Minor: Philosophy of Science
Aspiration: Environmental Justice Lawyer
Capstone Project: Developed a student engagement program and translated lessons into Haitian Creole
To learn more about Frances, read her application essay.
2025: Sophia Lima
Sophia is passionate about environmental education, natural history, ornithology, wildlife biology, and conservation through storytelling. Her volunteer experiences center around animal care, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental education.
School: University of Florida
Major: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Aspirations: Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Educator, Children’s Book Author
Capstone Project: Created lessons and hands-on activities for Everglades Explorers Kits
To learn more about Sophia, read her application essay.
2024: Liz Roa
As an advocate for environmental education, Liz believes in the transformative power of knowledge. Inspired by the beauty of our
Everglades, she is driven to spread awareness and foster a deeper appreciation for this natural wonder.
School: Palm Beach State College
Major: Incoming Freshman
Aspirations: Environmental Scientist
Capstone Project: Translated lesson materials into Spanish
To learn more about Liz, read her application essay.
2023: Autumn Bryan
Autumn believes in our ability to enact change through tireless effort and community engagement, through education and literature. As a passionate activist and author, she has published articles about climate change, wildlife conservation, and environment endangerment.
Schools: University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University
Majors: Library and Information Science, Geoscience
Aspiration: Doctorate in Environmental Literature
Capstone Project: Developed Everglades Library Learning Kits
To learn more about Autumn: