After three weeks of careful tending, the first crops of radishes were fully matured and ready to eat. Herbert then held a cooking and nutrition class with the food they generated from the gardens. Now the girls are planting other produce such as onions, tomatoes, carrots and celery seeds in the tire gardens. This initiative helped to increase local families’ access to food.

“It was a huge success and these girls definitely have green thumbs,” Herbert said.

Herbert also meets with more than 300 indigenous Mayan students weekly for English classes, cultural exchanges, dance lessons and other self-improvement topics. She conducts presentations on leadership skills, self-esteem, decision-making, goal formation and implementation, career development and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

As an undergrad at Howard, Herbert held leadership roles in numerous organizations, such as executive president of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society, student ambassador and co-chair of community service. She credits Howard for her preparation.

“Howard definitely prepared me for global leadership,” she said, “and it’s the reason why I am so passionate about sustainable development work.”
She said the Peace Corps provided a humbling and life-changing experience that further enhanced her desire to serve underdeveloped communities. She plans to pursue a career as a foreign service officer and eventually an ambassador.

“My passion is to serve individuals who are impoverished and underprivileged, and especially those who do not have access to life enhancement resources and opportunities,” she said.