Ravenel Bisbee

Ravenel is an enthusiastic nomad, passionate about social networking, community development and cross-cultural communication. Amid the Willapa Hills, in South Bend, Washington, USA, she is currently working to establish the city's first community garden in the hopes that it will become both a multi-functional community space and a shining example of sustainability. Following the BP oil spill, Ravenel self-organized the collection of natural fibers to assist the ecological public charity, Matter of Trust.

Prior to enrolling in Gaia University Ravanel attended Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, where she studied Spanish and environmental science. After writing a research paper on ecovillages, she was inspired to suspend traditional schooling and pursue her own alternative independent education. She felt deeply called to get outside the classroom and start “getting her hands dirty”. During the summer of 2009, Ravenel lived at the Ecovillage Training Center in Summertown, Tennessee, where she attended a Carbon Farming Course and helped to organize the 10th Bioregional Congress. It was here that she attended her orientation and began her Gaia University learning journey.

Ravanel envisions working throughout the Americas – sharing, learning and collaborating. Deeply inspired by mycorrhizal, she seeks to bring people together on all levels, and ponders how to effectively connect the many nodes of sustainable action taking place across the world today. You can follow Ravenel’s learning journey on her blog raven@gaiauniveristy.

As a Gaia University associate, I have access to a global community of individuals working to create social, ecological and resource rejuvenation. Within this community I’ve found love and kinship, which feeds my soul and provides my mind proof that I am not alone. By supporting me in both my internal and external learnings, Gaia U validates my desire for a holistic education. I am learning to manage and utilize my time, energy and immense freedom – it is a perfect opportunity to build the needed skills to be effective in my life’s work of ecosocial regeneration.