About Wading In
ORIGIN STORY: I believe the world is a precious place and each of us must do our part to keep it clean and safe for future generations. However, I was overwhelmed by all that could or should be done to “do my part” to help people and our planet …
In the process of picking ONE place to start, I began researching better laundry detergents (packaging, ingredients, quality). Once I found a great brand, I wondered how I could share the products and the helpful websites as well as start learning and sharing more things.
Some people can JUMP in (water, new diet, new technologies) while others (me) do better with slow steady purposeful steps, allowing time to adjust to the new thing.
The concept of Wading In For Sustainability was started. An idea sharing place where we can learn from, motivate, and celebrate each other while doing something to help our planet.
– Founder Jennifer Fleck
Who are We?
PURPOSE: Wading In For Sustainability inspires and equips individuals and organizations to adopt science-based practices that reduce their
carbon footprints and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet.
VISION: Wading In For Sustainability envisions a world where individuals are empowered through education to make informed, sustainable choices that enhance both their quality of life and the health of our planet.
MISSION: Wading In For Sustainability is a non-profit dedicated to empowering and motivating people to make gradual, meaningful changes that collectively drive positive environmental impact.
PHILOSOPHY: Our planet is facing complex environmental problems that are too big for any one person to solve. You have the power to be part of the solution!
When each of us takes small steps to help, it adds up to big change. Not sure where or how to start? Join our community, and we’ll be Wading In For Sustainability, together.
Guiding Principles
Small, sustainable actions matter and can lead to big collective change. No sustainable action is too small.
Start where you are. Look at your sphere of control first and …
think about small changes you can make that will help the planet.
Community is key. Find others with a similar mindset who want to take action and support one another on your journey.
You can’t change the behavior of others, but you can inspire them. Model sustainable practices and work to change the thoughts of those within your Sphere of Inspiration.
Advocate for systems change. We’re stronger when we work together, and working together to change the systems we live in for the better is critical.
Contact Us! Please let us know where you are on your journey. Sign-up for our monthly newsletter, donate, or share an idea !
Are you interested in becoming a content contributor, joining a committee or the board? Please let us know and we will send an application form.
Board Members
Jennifer Fleck – Chair and Founder of Wading In
Who is Jennifer? Jennifer grew up in the 70s with “reduce & reuse” a common phrase because there was not a lot of disposable income …
Family vacations involved camping all over Michigan and she was taught to take care of the environment because “you should leave a place better than you found it” AND “when you see something that is needed, DO IT” (you can’t just wait for someone else). Jennifer plays the string bass, enjoys scrapbooking (digital and traditional), hiking, traveling, and spending time with family.
What is Jennifer’s professional background? Jennifer earned a BSEE, worked in multiple fields (engineering, sales, event management, business development+), volunteered and held many leadership positions (schools, church, community), co-founded and ran the Fenton Community Orchestra for 8 years, and with her husband, raised 3 sons.
Why Wading In? Issues in the world today seem overwhelming and even paralyzing. Jennifer is continuously learning about small changes that could benefit the planet and future generations. As she is learning, she wants to inspire others – including businesses and government – to do more. With Wading In For Sustainability, she is making the opportunity for herself and others to DO SOMETHING to help people and planet.
Caitlin Wiley – Secretary of Wading In, Founding Board Member
Who is Caitlin? Originally from Fenton, Michigan, Caitlin is a founding member of the Wading In For Sustainability and is passionate about environmental education, mitigating the worst impacts of global climate change, and advocating for a just clean energy transition..
In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities including skiing, cycling, running, rock climbing, scuba diving, and Ultimate frisbee.
What is Caitlin’s professional background? Caitlin holds a master’s degree from American University in Environmental Policy and a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University with a double major in Global and International Studies and Spanish. Prior to joining the Wading In Board, Caitlin served the United States federal government as an intern for the U.S. Agency for International Development, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, as well as interned at the Wilson Center, a prestigious think tank in Washington, DC. Before pursuing her interest in environmental work, Caitlin focused on national security issues for the U.S. Department of Defense, specifically in an office that specialized in language and culture training programs for U.S. citizens. In addition to English, Caitlin is fluent Spanish and Portuguese.
Why Wading In? Caitlin’s deep connection with the outdoors and variety of outdoor activities taught her about the importance of leaving no trace to preserve natural landscapes for future generations. Her love of skiing especially led her to closely track snowfall patterns in her home state of Michigan, and starting to see great variability in the amount and timing of snowfall led her to become concerned about the impacts of global climate change. Caitlin joined the Wading In Board because she wants to positively influence others to lead more sustainable lives, providing resources and inspiration for those at all points of their sustainability journey.
Bobbie Eastman – Treasurer of Wading In, Founding Board Member
Who is Bobbie? Bobbie grew up in Fenton, Michigan, with a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. Spending her childhood on the water, she developed a lasting connection to local lakes and a love for sports. Today, that passion has evolved into dedicated bird watching and identifying native plant and animal species.
What is Bobbie’s professional background? Bobbie obtained a Masters in Management from the Elmira College in 2020 while working as the assistant volleyball coach for the college. She also obtained a degree in biology and business at Quincy University while competing as a division II athlete for the school. While at Quincy Bobbie held key leadership positions in organizations such as Environmental club and Entrepreneurs club. Bobbie is now employed as a sales representative for Great Lakes Wine and sprits in Michigan.
Why Wading In? Bobbie joined the board of Wading in for Sustainability to merge her corporate knowledge with her commitment to conservation. She aims to provide clear, practical guides that make sustainable living accessible to everyone. Bobbie firmly believes that individual actions create powerful ripple effects, and she is dedicated to leading by example to inspire positive change in her community.
Talia Soorenko – Board Member
Who is Talia? Talia grew up in Rockville, Maryland, and has spent many years living and working abroad in China, Costa Rica, and Taiwan. She is a nature-loving adventurer passionate about protecting our planet, strengthening food systems, and understanding the unique needs of communities. Having traveled to nearly 40 countries, Talia has seen firsthand both the fragility and resilience of our planet, shaping her holistic, community-centered approach to environmental sustainability.
What is Talia’s professional background? Talia holds a dual master’s degree in International Affairs from American University and Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from the University for Peace. She has worked at the intersection of environmental protection, food security, and community development, most recently serving as an Environmental Protection Specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and as a Program Specialist with a Colorado-based organization focused on improving food access. Across her work, Talia is driven by a desire to translate policy and sustainability concepts into practical, real-world solutions.
Why Wading In? While living in China from 2016–2020, Talia founded an environmental education organization focused on helping individuals understand how everyday choices can lead to meaningful environmental impact. When she learned about Wading In, she was inspired by its shared commitment to meeting people where they are and empowering communities through accessible, action-oriented sustainability education. Talia believes that positive change starts locally, and she joined the Wading In Board to help individuals feel informed, capable, and motivated to take action for the planet.
Content Contributors
We are taking applications for Content Contributors