About The Girls Gone Green
Julie Watkins, Executive Director
Julie Watkins was a meteorologist with the CBS and FOX affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida. She has worked in the broadcasting industry for over 15 years and has always taken an active role in local environmental and animal welfare groups. The combination of her concern and dedication serves to improve the treatment of our air, water, animals and each other.
She is current owner of an all-vegan cafe in St. Augustine, FL - Present Moment Cafe.
She is current owner of an all-vegan cafe in St. Augustine, FL - Present Moment Cafe.
Shannon Blankinship, Board Member
Shannon is a passionate and energetic advocate for the protection and preservation of our most important resources: air, land, water, and all of the living communities that call these resources “home”. Her most hated question is “Why are you Vegan?” because no one has the time to hear one million answers. As Associate Director Shannon works to help coordinate the various ongoing GGG campaigns, events and programs.
A Richmond, Virginia native, Shannon received her Bachelors of Science from Purdue University in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Economics before working for the Delaware Riverkeeper Network in Philadelphia. Shannon received her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida with recognized honors in Pro Bono community service and the Environmental Certificate of Law.
Currently, Shannon is the Outreach Director for St. Johns Riverkeeper working to engage and activate a strong and vocal community for the protection of the St. Johns River. Shannon is also an elected official, serving as a Duval County Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner.
A Richmond, Virginia native, Shannon received her Bachelors of Science from Purdue University in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Economics before working for the Delaware Riverkeeper Network in Philadelphia. Shannon received her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida with recognized honors in Pro Bono community service and the Environmental Certificate of Law.
Currently, Shannon is the Outreach Director for St. Johns Riverkeeper working to engage and activate a strong and vocal community for the protection of the St. Johns River. Shannon is also an elected official, serving as a Duval County Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner.
Alicia Smith, Volunteer Coordinator
Alicia Smith has a long history of helping the environment. She currently serves on the board of the St. Johns Riverkeeper's Young Professional's group - Rising Tides, an organization she's been involved with since 2011.
In her free time, Alicia regularly participates in river and water clean ups. She stays involved in outdoor exploration events and has helped to organize many events promoting environmental protection. She works daily on recycling and paying attention to sustainable acts, as well as educating and leading others to a lifestyle that can lessen their carbon footprint.
Alicia joined The Girls Gone Green as the Volunteer Coordinator in 2014 and she is instrumental in mobilizing community participates in events organized or staffed by the nonprofit. Her leadership ensures the success of many events and campaigns including Northeast Florida Veg Fest, Welcome to Rockville, #NachoBar, Hang Up the Foam and the Big Ticket.
In her free time, Alicia regularly participates in river and water clean ups. She stays involved in outdoor exploration events and has helped to organize many events promoting environmental protection. She works daily on recycling and paying attention to sustainable acts, as well as educating and leading others to a lifestyle that can lessen their carbon footprint.
Alicia joined The Girls Gone Green as the Volunteer Coordinator in 2014 and she is instrumental in mobilizing community participates in events organized or staffed by the nonprofit. Her leadership ensures the success of many events and campaigns including Northeast Florida Veg Fest, Welcome to Rockville, #NachoBar, Hang Up the Foam and the Big Ticket.
Carrie Resch, Associate Director
An animal-lover since birth, Carrie Resch, the newest member of the Girls Gone Green team is beyond thrilled to be working with a group of women passionate about animal welfare and the environment.
As the Associate Director, Carrie works to help coordinate the various ongoing GGG campaigns, events and programs.
A vegetarian since age12, Carrie inspired her two sisters and mother to become vegetarians. Her three nephews and niece are also vegetarians. Now vegan, Carrie has said it’s the best decision she’s ever made!
The cruel practices of factory farming, particularly in the dairy and egg industry, solidified her decision to go vegan. She firmly believes that education and enlightenment are the foundation of change.
Carrie attended her first protest at age 14 with the Dolphin Freedom Foundation in Miami Florida. Continuing to fight for animal rights will always be a defining part of her life. Most recently, Carrie was part of a group protesting the bear hunt in Florida and has also participated in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus protests and greyhound racing protests because, she believes, all animals should be treated with kindness and respect and not exploited for the purposes of entertainment.
In addition to spending time with family, friends and pets, Carrie enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping and volunteer work.
“If slaughterhouses had glass walls, we would all be vegetarian.”
― Paul McCartney
As the Associate Director, Carrie works to help coordinate the various ongoing GGG campaigns, events and programs.
A vegetarian since age12, Carrie inspired her two sisters and mother to become vegetarians. Her three nephews and niece are also vegetarians. Now vegan, Carrie has said it’s the best decision she’s ever made!
The cruel practices of factory farming, particularly in the dairy and egg industry, solidified her decision to go vegan. She firmly believes that education and enlightenment are the foundation of change.
Carrie attended her first protest at age 14 with the Dolphin Freedom Foundation in Miami Florida. Continuing to fight for animal rights will always be a defining part of her life. Most recently, Carrie was part of a group protesting the bear hunt in Florida and has also participated in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus protests and greyhound racing protests because, she believes, all animals should be treated with kindness and respect and not exploited for the purposes of entertainment.
In addition to spending time with family, friends and pets, Carrie enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping and volunteer work.
“If slaughterhouses had glass walls, we would all be vegetarian.”
― Paul McCartney
The mission of The Girls Gone Green (a registered 501c3) is to draw attention and proper action to critical issues through outreach and education in an effort to protect our planet's resources, animal welfare and human health. We host several events and campaigns throughout the year including Northeast Florida Veg Fest and No Meat March.