Longwood Gardens Selects Four New Fellows for Esteemed Leadership Program

Longwood Gardens today announced the selection of four accomplished professionals for its prestigious Longwood Gardens Fellows Program, continuing a legacy of cultivating global leaders in horticulture since 1967. Following a highly competitive selection process, the 2025-26 Fellows are Nathaniel Cody (Norfolk, Virginia), Jennifer Dick (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), Carmen Grey (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), and Yan Li (Shenyang, China). They will begin the program in May. For information on the Fellows Program, visit longwoodgardens.org/longwood-fellows.

“After an extensive review, we are thrilled to welcome this dynamic cohort of four exceptional professionals,” said Kay Chubbuck, Ph.D., Vice President of Engagement and Learning. “Each Fellow brings a unique perspective and invaluable expertise, enriching the program while developing the leadership skills needed to drive the future of public horticulture. We are particularly excited to welcome our first Fellows from Canada and China as part of this global cohort.”

This fully funded, year-long, cohort-based residency is a leadership accelerator for high-potential individuals interested in careers in public gardens. Fellows engage in intensive coursework and hands-on projects covering organizational dynamics, board governance, communications, finance, and business management. A two-month field placement further enhances their experience, equipping them to lead with vision and impact. Upon completion, alumni of the Fellows Program join the prestigious Society of Fellows, a global network of public garden professionals.

The Longwood Fellows Program seeks to develop leaders across the public garden industry and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. Ideal candidates have at least five years of relevant experience and aspire to or currently hold leadership positions. Professionals transitioning into gardens from other industries are also encouraged to apply, provided they have demonstrated interest. Nominations for the Fellows program are open year-round and can be submitted via the online nomination form at longwoodgardens.org/fellows.  

Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort open June 1 and close July 31, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more about the Fellows Program by attending an informational webinar this spring, with details to be announced at a later date.

The 2025-26 Fellows

Nathaniel Cody, Norfolk, Va.

Nathaniel Cody’s career is rooted in his dedication to creative storytelling and inclusion. As Digital Content and Marketing Project Manager at Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia, Cody oversees strategic digital campaigns and spearheads projects such as the Diversity Gallery, which celebrates cultural richness through art. His experience includes content creation and executive support at Norfolk Botanical Garden, and curating student art exhibitions at Virginia Commonwealth University. A dedicated community leader, Cody volunteers with Hampton Roads Pride and Stonewall Sports Norfolk. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture and extended media from Virginia Commonwealth University and serves on Norfolk Botanical Garden’s President’s Council on Inclusion and Diversity.

Jennifer Dick, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

With two decades of experience in science communication and heritage interpretation, Jennifer Dick has worked in gardens, museums, nonprofits, and most recently at Royal Botanical Gardens Canada. An advocate for connecting people with plants and places, she has served on the board of Interpretation Canada for 10 years, including two terms as Chair. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology with a concentration in wildlife and habitat ecology, a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, and a graduate diploma in science communication. Dick is also a certified heritage interpreter and certified interpretive trainer.

Carmen Grey, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Carmen Grey joins the Longwood Fellows program from Assiniboine Park Conservancy in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she oversees plant records and documentation development for the living collections. A graduate of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, Grey also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Winnipeg. Over the past 17 years, Grey has worked across Canada in public horticulture, urban agriculture, and community-focused education. Her experience includes coordinating rooftop farms in Calgary, managing community gardens in the Northwest Territories, and leading public garden operations in Winnipeg. As an Indigenous horticulturist, Grey’s work is guided by the teachings of her culture and a deep respect for the land. Grey is committed to fostering inclusive, reciprocal connections between people and the natural world. 

Yan Li, Shenyang, China 

Yan Li, Ph.D., brings extensive experience in plant management and academics. For 12 years, she has led the Basic Information Department at the Shenyang Arboretum as an engineer and Shenyang Senior Talent. She is experienced in managing plant information, compilating plant catalogues, and organizing international conferences. Additionally, Li has published scholarly articles and patents on plant diversity conservation and contributed to the compilation of botanical monographs. She holds a Master of Science in botany and a Ph. D. in Ecology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In 2017, she earned a certificate of completion in ex-situ conservation from the Chinese Union of Botanical Gardens. 

About Longwood Gardens 

Longwood Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world, encompassing 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand conservatories. Longwood continues the mission set forth by founder Pierre S. du Pont to bring joy and inspiration to all through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. As part of its commitment to conservation, in 2024 Longwood acquired the 505-acre Longwood at Granogue, a cultural landscape in nearby Wilmington, Delaware. Longwood’s foremost influence on American horticulture has been through its education programs, in keeping with Mr. du Pont’s desire to establish “a school where students and others may receive instruction in the arts of horticulture and floriculture.” Since 1958, thousands of students from all over the world have participated in one or more of Longwood’s intensive programs, ranging from School & Youth Programs, which educates 45,000 students both online and in person each year, to the two-year Professional Horticulture Program to the Longwood Fellows Program. Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in many of the country’s top horticultural institutions. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org.