Episode 47: Belonging Starts Beneath Our Feet with Sheryl Barbosa
What if nature wasn’t just something on your “to-do” list—but a vital part of your sense of belonging? And y'all that means more than buying a few plants for your office, cutting some flowers for your dinner table, or keeping a manicured lawn.
On this episode, Dr. Katie chats with environmental scientist, keynote speaker, and space sustainability strategist (yes, you read that correctly) Sheryl Barbosa, we explore a powerful shift in perspective: the role of nature in building not just healthier lives, but a stronger sense of self and connection to each other.
Sheryl shares her own personal story of burnout and healing, where reconnecting with the natural world became a doorway back to belonging. Together, we challenge the idea that nature is just a backdrop for our busy lives or something reserved for “tree huggers.” Instead, we imagine that nature becomes a living partner in our everyday rhythm, a connector of people, and the place where our sense of community begins.
From high-five trees and park bench conversations with strangers, to the science of lowered cortisol and collective healing in shared outdoor spaces, this episode invites you to reimagine community itself—where people, place, and planet are intertwined.
It’s not about adding “go outside” to your checklist. It’s about remembering that we are nature, and when we make it a part of our community at home, at work, and in all the spaces where we seek belonging, we unlock connection, joy, and resilience in ways technology alone can’t provide.
This conversation might just spark how you view your morning walk, your neighborhood trees, or even the act of picking up litter as more than small moments. They’re acts of community building, memory making, and healing—together.
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About sheryl barbosa
Sheryl Barbosa is an environmental scientist and sustainability strategist with over 20 years of experience guiding industries toward a greener future. Unlike traditional voices in the aerospace sector, Sheryl brings sustainability first—leveraging her expertise to help these industries rethink innovation through the lens of planetary stewardship.
She has worked across the entire spectrum of industry, from grassroots nonprofits and community organizations to Fortune 50 corporations, advising organizations in manufacturing, technology, finance, utilities, energy, defense, renewables and more. Her experience spans local to federal government, small businesses, and publicly traded global enterprises—giving her an unmatched ability to connect sustainability and stewardship with real-world business and policy impact.
Now, as a Sustainability in Space Advisor, she challenges thought leaders in the industry to integrate environmental impact and planetary protection into exploration, infrastructure, and operations. Her approach is rooted in the belief that nature is our greatest innovator and educator—and that by synchronizing industry with the rhythms of the planet, we unlock the future of both Earth and space.
Sheryl is known for her dynamic and engaging speaking style, making complex sustainability challenges actionable, inspiring, and deeply relevant to decision-makers shaping the future.