Mrs. Dorothea Von Herder
Mother, Friend, Community Builder
Sherborn Sustainability Coordinator
Her Story
Dorothea Von Herder works as Sherborn’s Lead Sustainability Coordinator. This role helps lead Sherborn towards a brighter and more sustainable future. She took up this role in 2020 during the pandemic. Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 virus, she has made great strides in Sherborn.
Prior to taking this role, she worked in the solar industry and has taken several other roles in sustainability efforts. She was initially inspired to involve herself in environmentalism after viewing a climate change exhibit at a local museum. Soon, she found a passion for the environment and found what felt like her “inner calling.” For her, “it just didn’t feel right to stay on the sidelines and watch.” She attended Harvard University in the Sustainability and Environmental Management program. In 2009, she received the Derek Bok Excellence in Teaching Award.
She is a proud mother and a great friend to many among the Sherborn community.
Why She Loves Sherborn
Though she has only been working in Sherborn since 2020, Mrs. Von Herder has already come to appreciate the people in town and love the tightly-knit community. She has found that “people here truly care for each other” and are actively engaged with their community with volunteerism.
Sustainable Sherborn
Mrs. Von Herder produced the Sustainable Sherborn program. Thus far, she has created virtual tools for residents to learn how to reduce their carbon footprint. She has also analyzed quantitative data about the harmful greenhouse gases that Sherborn produces and is working with various groups to reduce emissions. One day, she hopes to reach a neutral-emissions community, something that “we all must contribute to.” Along with other sustainability initiatives, she has contributed to the "Sherborn Picks Up" program. This program has encouraged residents to reduce roadside litter and general waste consumption.
Her Advice to Young People
She notes that "it is crucial that young people take part in environmentalism. Climate change is an issue that will affect all generations of people moving forward." For those interested in pursuing political and global environmentalism, or other careers in this field, she recommends staying persistent. Throughout her experiences in sustainability, she has often had obstacles stand in her way. Staying persistent, however, has allowed her to succeed.
Outside Interests
Outside of her sustainability efforts, Mrs. Von Herder is an avid bike-rider.
Over the last few years, she has additionally found a deeper calling for supporting human rights and taken environmental action among communities with lower socio-economic statuses, two causes which she feels are deeply intertwined.
Mother, Friend, Community Builder
Sherborn Sustainability Coordinator
Her Story
Dorothea Von Herder works as Sherborn’s Lead Sustainability Coordinator. This role helps lead Sherborn towards a brighter and more sustainable future. She took up this role in 2020 during the pandemic. Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 virus, she has made great strides in Sherborn.
Prior to taking this role, she worked in the solar industry and has taken several other roles in sustainability efforts. She was initially inspired to involve herself in environmentalism after viewing a climate change exhibit at a local museum. Soon, she found a passion for the environment and found what felt like her “inner calling.” For her, “it just didn’t feel right to stay on the sidelines and watch.” She attended Harvard University in the Sustainability and Environmental Management program. In 2009, she received the Derek Bok Excellence in Teaching Award.
She is a proud mother and a great friend to many among the Sherborn community.
Why She Loves Sherborn
Though she has only been working in Sherborn since 2020, Mrs. Von Herder has already come to appreciate the people in town and love the tightly-knit community. She has found that “people here truly care for each other” and are actively engaged with their community with volunteerism.
Sustainable Sherborn
Mrs. Von Herder produced the Sustainable Sherborn program. Thus far, she has created virtual tools for residents to learn how to reduce their carbon footprint. She has also analyzed quantitative data about the harmful greenhouse gases that Sherborn produces and is working with various groups to reduce emissions. One day, she hopes to reach a neutral-emissions community, something that “we all must contribute to.” Along with other sustainability initiatives, she has contributed to the "Sherborn Picks Up" program. This program has encouraged residents to reduce roadside litter and general waste consumption.
Her Advice to Young People
She notes that "it is crucial that young people take part in environmentalism. Climate change is an issue that will affect all generations of people moving forward." For those interested in pursuing political and global environmentalism, or other careers in this field, she recommends staying persistent. Throughout her experiences in sustainability, she has often had obstacles stand in her way. Staying persistent, however, has allowed her to succeed.
Outside Interests
Outside of her sustainability efforts, Mrs. Von Herder is an avid bike-rider.
Over the last few years, she has additionally found a deeper calling for supporting human rights and taken environmental action among communities with lower socio-economic statuses, two causes which she feels are deeply intertwined.
