Dear Sci4Ga Community
Today is my last day as Executive Director at Science for Georgia. Earlier this year my husband took a job in Northern Virginia; thus, I pen this letter from Arlington. It’s bad optics for the ED of an organization advocating for Georgians to live in Virginia. Most of my job is based on showing up – and it’s hard to serve you all when I am now a plane ride away.
I am devastated by this. Sci4Ga has been a part of my life since 2019. When you love your job, you never work a day in your life – and that saying is 100% true. So even when it’s 3am and the General Assembly won’t gavel out because of some vanity speech – or I am driving to Valdosta, Waycross, Augusta, Columbs, Jesup, LaGrange, etc. for a town hall in the middle of the night – or I am picking up last minute supplies for an event – I would rather be nowhere else on earth.
We have done great things. We started an Environmental Justice & Climate Protection conference. We have a data center map that is cited far and wide. We have Data4Ga that contextualizes issues that need to be addressed. We have had over 50 interns. We have sought-after misinformation training. We have monthly Science Junctions and Climate Survival Trainings. We have viral Insta reels. We have crisscrossed the state for town halls and events. We caused the Senate to adjourn rather than take a vote Georgia Power knew they were going to lose. We are small but mighty! And we made Science Matter Here!
I am very excited for the future of Sci4Ga. Many things will change, but for me it will be like watching a child fly from the nest – sooner or later – they make their own choices without you, but hopefully they are grounded in core shared values.
Some things will not change: our commitment to the community and to our partners. People turn to us for fact-based information that can push us toward a brighter future – and Sci4Ga will continue to do just that. Patrick will keep running flawless events, Michael will keep doing amazing science communication, and Jessica will continue to deliver powerful visual information.
I am so proud of what Sci4Ga has become. My only regret is that I didn’t raise more money to pay my staff more (don’t forget to give during the winter campaign!) and I am confident the new leadership will right that wrong.
See you at the next Jazz Hands!
In loving service to the people of Georgia,
Amy Sharma
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber’d here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to ‘scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call.
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
— Puck, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act V