Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Peters.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey started with a strong passion for science, community wellness, and environmental stewardship. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Bowie State University and later completed my Master of Biotechnology and Project Management Certificate at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. My background in biology gave me a deeper understanding of how health, the environment, and community are all connected, and that really shaped the direction of my work.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both scientific and community-centered spaces, including biotechnology, healthcare, research, and program coordination roles. Those experiences helped me build a strong foundation in leadership, education, outreach, and organizing initiatives that support both individual and community well-being. As I continued growing professionally, I realized I was most passionate about work that directly impacts people and creates meaningful change at the community level.
Outside of my professional work, I became deeply involved in environmental education and grassroots community wellness through my work at the Filbert Street Garden. I became a Master Naturalist and a Chesapeake Bay Steward because I wanted to better understand how to connect people back to nature and environmental responsibility in meaningful ways. Those experiences allowed me to combine science with hands-on community impact through gardening, wellness programming, youth engagement, environmental education, and outdoor learning experiences.
Today, a lot of my work focuses on creating space where people can heal, learn, and connect with both nature and each other. Whether it’s organizing wellness events, leading environmental education initiatives, building partnerships, or supporting youth and families, my goal has always been to create programs that make wellness and community more accessible for everyone.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Over the past year, I’ve experienced significant personal and professional challenges, including losing my job and facing financial instability that nearly put my housing situation at risk. At the same time, external circumstances in my environment added further stress and uncertainty.
I also went through shifts in my personal relationships—some friendships changed or ended because of differing values and perspectives, which left me feeling more independent and self-reliant. Those experiences were difficult, but they also helped me learn how to navigate life more on my own, stay grounded, and keep moving forward even when support systems changed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my role as Social Media and Event Coordinator at Filbert Street Garden, I focus on using community-centered programming and storytelling to bring people together through wellness, food access, and environmental connection.
I coordinate and run a wide range of events—from hands-on gardening workshops and wellness gatherings to creative community engagement activities. A big part of my work is making sure these events are not just educational, but also welcoming and healing spaces where people feel seen and connected.
I’ve also helped strengthen and rebuild community relationships by creating consistent programming that brings neighbors, partners, and families back into shared spaces. One of my most meaningful contributions has been developing food and cooking initiatives that support local families, including efforts that help feed the community and expand the reach of our community pantry.
Beyond events, I focus heavily on creative wellness ideas—blending nature, mental health, food justice, and cultural expression. Whether it’s journaling sessions under the trees in the garden, garden-based learning, or food-centered community support, I aim to make wellness feel accessible and rooted in everyday life.
What I’m most proud of is helping turn the garden into a space that feels alive again—where people reconnect with each other, with food, and with themselves. I’m known for being creative, community-driven, and hands-on, someone who doesn’t just plan programs but actively builds relationships and follows through in the spaces I help create.
What sets me apart is that I approach this work holistically—I don’t see it as just events or social media, but as community healing work that brings together wellness, sustainability, and human connection in real and tangible ways.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a mixed role in my life and work, but I’ve learned not to rely on it as the main factor in my progress.
There have definitely been moments of what I would call “bad luck”—losing my job, financial instability, and unexpected personal and environmental challenges that disrupted my plans. There were also times when relationships and support systems changed in ways I didn’t anticipate, which forced me to adjust quickly and rebuild stability in different areas of my life.
At the same time, I’ve also experienced what I would call “good luck,” but I often see it as opportunity meeting preparation. Being connected to the garden and community work, and stepping into roles like Social Media and Event Coordinator, gave me access to spaces where I could grow, create impact, and reconnect people. Those opportunities came at the right time, but I also had to be ready to step into them and put in the work.
Overall, I would say luck may open or close doors, but it hasn’t defined my path. Consistency, creativity, and a strong commitment to community wellness have been the real driving forces behind what I’ve been able to build and contribute.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://filbertstreetgarden.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filbertstreetgarden/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FilbertStreetGarden/
