BELLA's Cause

Raised in Oregon, Bella grew up with a deep connection to the outdoors and an early understanding that caring for the earth is foundational to caring for communities. That passion led her to pursue additional education opportunities at Oregon State University in Fish and Wildlife Administration, where she deepened her understanding of the intersection between environmental health, human well-being, and community equity. This perspective has become central to her “why”: environmental health and human well-being are inseparable, with environmental conditions directly shaping health and opportunity, especially in communities that have historically been underserved.
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As a mother, this commitment is even more personal. She views environmental stewardship as both a present responsibility and a long-term investment in the next generation, ensuring access to clean air, thriving green spaces, and a healthy, sustainable world. Through her volunteer work with Friends of Trees, she has seen the power of community-driven environmental action and its neighborhood-level impact, reinforcing her commitment to healthier communities for her daughter and future generations.

Friends of Trees is a community-driven nonprofit focused on expanding and caring for the urban forest across the Pacific Northwest. Through volunteer-powered tree plantings and stewardship efforts, the organization works to restore neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas while increasing tree canopy in both urban and underserved communities. Their work supports climate resilience, improves air and water quality, and enhances overall community well-being. In addition to planting trees, Friends of Trees emphasizes education, long-term care, and community engagement - empowering individuals to take an active role in creating greener, healthier, and more equitable environments for future generations.