Skip to main content

2024 Candidate Zakiya Leggett

2024 candidate for Governing Board Zakiya LeggettZakiya Holmes Leggett
Associate Professor
North Carolina State University

Candidate for: Member of the Governing Board

I am a forest soil ecologist by training, but I also do research in the areas of participatory science and diversity and inclusion in natural resources. I serve as an associate professor at North Carolina State University in the College of Natural Resources (CNR) and as co-director for the Citizen Science/Participatory Science Campus at NCSU. I teach Introduction to Environmental Science and Forest Soils. I also currently serve as the campus director for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars (DDCS) Program and director for the Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program (SCLP), CNR High School Summer Research Program, and NCSU CNR National Needs Fellowship Program. All these programs have the goal of increasing exposure to and retention in the fields of conservation biology, forest ecology, and natural resources with a focus on first generation students and students of color.

I have served in several positions or on committees within the Ecological Society of America over the last 28 years which include (but not limited to): Nominations Committee, Black Ecologists Section Executive Board, Applied Ecology Section Vice Chair, Board of Professional Certification Review Board, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Task Force, Diversity Forum Planning Committee, SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Development and Sustainability) Advisory Board, and SEEDS Mentor.

Before teaching at NCSU, I worked for 10 years as a sustainability scientist with Weyerhaeuser Company, which is a forest products company. I am originally from Memphis, Tennessee and I earned a B.S. from Tuskegee University, a Masters degree from Duke University, and a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. I reside in Raleigh, NC with my husband and four kids.

What interests, experiences or skills would you bring to this position?

I have been active in ESA since my first annual meeting in 1996 as one of the first SEEDS students while I was a student at Tuskegee University. Over these last 28 years I have seen the organization change and develop in amazing ways, but I have also seen areas where there are still opportunities for growth. I have served on university and organizational advisory boards where we have been tasked with implementing change based on feedback and insight from those within and outside the organizations. This process takes time, patience, and thoughtfulness and I would appreciate the opportunity to serve ESA in this capacity.

My combined experiences and interests within and outside ESA would help the organization continue experiencing successes while also providing some perspective on new ideas and opportunities to improve. I have served in several leadership roles within ESA and would appreciate the opportunity to extend my leadership by serving on the Board.

How would you support ESA’s mission? How would you plan to promote DEIJ in ESA membership and activities if elected?

In my role as an educator, I have worked with people from grade school to administrators to support ESA’s mission of helping advance the science and practice of ecology. Additionally, one of ESA’s goals includes raising the public’s level of awareness of the importance of ecological science. I have ideas and experience in this area and look forward to assisting in improving our reach and impact on the public, which might involve collaborations with other organizations.

While supporting the mission I would also like to ensure that all areas of the advancement of the science and practice of ecology are inclusive. Since joining ESA, I have been involved in promoting DEIJ in ESA. I have been intentional about inviting diverse faculty and students to present in all my proposed sessions/panels. Some of these faculty members and students have since joined and served in the organization. I am hopeful this can be expanded upon in a formal way to ensure faculty at HBCUs/MSIs are aware of ESA.

The intentionality in certain areas of the organization to promote DEIJ has improved the culture and climate at the annual meetings. While there is still work to do in this area, there is a noticeable difference from my first meeting in 1996 to now. Having previously worked in a non-academic environment for over a decade, I have also worked with ESA to foster an environment that is welcoming and inclusive to ecologists that work outside of academia but there are areas for growth. I would like to continue supporting ESA’s mission and promoting DEIJ as a Member of the Governing Board.