Get to know: Emily, Administrative & Volunteer Coordinator

Hello everyone, my name is Emily Cox

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Administrative & Volunteer Coordinator at Rotary Botanical Gardens. I joined the team in December 2023, and I have been incredibly fulfilled by my role and the scenic environment I get to work in every day.

Growing up in Footville, WI, I spent many spring and summer days with my family enjoying the vibrant colors and beauty of the Gardens. These experiences fostered my love for the outdoors and art, leading me to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for its impressive art department, strong focus on nature, and dedication to sustainability. I spent countless hours drawing and painting in Schmeeckle Reserve, a 280-acre nature conservancy on campus, while immersing myself in the abundance of plants and local wildlife.

After graduating with my Bachelor of Fine Arts – 2D Emphasis and a Minor in Business, I began my professional career as a Designer and Production Coordinator at a local screen print and embroidery shop in Janesville, WI. In this role, I honed my skills in visual design, client relationships, and people management. Although I enjoyed my time working in Janesville, I felt ready to branch out and explore more opportunities out of state.

Another passion of mine is my love for dogs, especially my own dog at the time, Beasly. While searching for a new role, I wanted to ensure I could be with her as we settled in a new city, which led me to accept a position as a Customer Experience Associate at The Farmer’s Dog in Nashville, TN. Their pet-friendly work environment and dedication to dog health drew me in instantly.

During my time at The Farmer’s Dog, I worked with a diverse customer base and acquired new skills in account management, marketing, and brand communications. I had opportunities to work with specialized groups, volunteer with our Community Team at events, analyze customer data with the NPS (Net Promoter Score) team, mentor new associates through the Guide Dogs program, and even present a customer lifecycle communications project to leaders of the Growth, Brand, and Training teams.

I also witnessed the positive impact of the food not only on our customers’ dogs but on Beasly and other dogs in my family. Just before our move to Nashville, Beasly was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and passed away in August 2022. Her switch to fresh food and regular treatments allowed us to enjoy her last nine months to the fullest. Losing her made my time in Nashville bittersweet, but the impact of The Farmer’s Dog’s products and the amazing people I worked with made this experience unforgettable.

The transition to a new city, state, and professional role was outside of my comfort zone, but it helped me grow both personally and professionally. While I enjoyed Nashville’s many offerings, I found myself missing my family and friends back home, the unique friendliness of Wisconsin culture, and less humid summers. With my newfound experience, I knew it was important to find a role and organization focused on making a positive impact on the community.

When I learned Rotary Botanical Gardens was hiring, I was excited to contribute to their mission of enriching lives and to work in the beautiful environment that inspired me as a child. From my first day at Rotary Botanical Gardens, I was impressed by the welcoming environment created by both the staff and volunteers. I have had the pleasure of working with an incredibly talented and supportive team, making my transition seamless and enjoyable.

Initially hired as the Administrative Coordinator, I also took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator in late February. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. I have met many amazing people who dedicate their time and energy to helping maintain and improve the Gardens, and I am in awe of their meaningful contributions. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend with them and hope to continue growing our community of volunteers.

Looking ahead, I am eager to dive into my many new projects and responsibilities, which I believe will elevate the impact of Rotary Botanical Gardens in Rock County and Wisconsin. Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. I look forward to connecting with many of you — don’t hesitate to say, “Hello” if you see me on your next visit to the Gardens!