Empowering Women, Strengthening Arboriculture: SavATree’s Commitment to Inclusion In a traditionally male-dominated industry, SavATree stands out by investing in the development of women leaders and talented female arborists. We have consciously worked to provide female arborists, technicians, and market leaders at every career level with the tools necessary to thrive. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, professional development, and inclusivity, creating an environment where women can build meaningful careers and elevate the tree care industry. Below, our Chief People Officer and Director of Learning and Development share how we foster this culture with organizations like TCIA—all focused on advancing workforce development. Trailblazing Women in Tree Care San Francisco-based Director of Learning and Development, Sarah Cusack, majored in environmental management and initially explored various roles at SavATree: “I worked with every department in the company, which was invaluable for exploring different career paths. That’s how I discovered my passion for training and development. Seeing people master new skills and feeling proud of their progress was incredibly rewarding – I knew I’d found my calling. Being in tree care and protecting the environment, combined with helping people grow in their careers, was the perfect marriage of my interests.” Today, Sarah uses her extensive experience to train and develop our team across various roles. She holds credentials as a Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP), an ISA Certified Arborist, and a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). Amanda Davis serves as SavATree’s Chief People Officer in Nashville, Tennessee. She joined us in September 2024 as the next chapter of a 20-year career leading strategic people initiatives: “My path to the green industry may be unconventional, but it’s been a rewarding journey. I’ve always been passionate about helping people in the moments that matter most, whether that’s starting a new career, learning new skills, or transitioning into retirement. “I believe that creating processes that support employees throughout their careers directly contributes to a stronger, more positive company culture. What drew me to SavATree was the company’s inspiring commitment of ‘Work Here. Thrive Here.’ As I learned more about the team here, I saw a chance to help drive a transformation, one that’s focused on delivering a best-in-class employee experience and setting SavATree apart as a leader in workforce development.” The Value of Mentorship Both Sarah and Amanda have benefited from mentorship in their careers and are now motivated to pay it forward. “I’ve been involved in both informal and formal mentorship programs. I find that being mentored by another woman in tree care helps me see my potential and reinforces my ability to take on new challenges,” shares Sarah. Amanda agrees: “I love serving as a mentor at SavATree because I’m surrounded by a team that shares this same hunger for improvement and growth. As I look back on my career, I can attribute so much learning and progress to the feedback I got and the role models and mentors who invested in me. Now, at SavATree, I can give that back to the best and the brightest.” Women’s Affinity Groups To further encourage mentorship and collaboration, SavATree has established Women’s Affinity Groups. Sarah explains: “These groups provide a sense of community. There are currently seven groups – all based on geography – with about 20 women in each group, and they meet monthly. My favorite thing is that these groups are comprised of women who work in various job functions, from climbers to sales arborists to leadership. It’s a safe space to share challenges and ideas.” Amanda underscores their importance: “These groups serve as a space where women across different levels of SavATree can connect, share experiences, and offer mentorship to each other. It’s all about ensuring women have a voice, a community, and the resources to succeed and grow in their careers.” The Importance of Partnerships SavATree actively collaborates with industry associations such as TCIA, as well as other networks devoted to advancing women in arboriculture. Amanda notes: “We know that building these partnerships and networks helps drive innovation, fosters better collaboration, and ultimately helps us deliver exceptional client service. Our partnership with TCIA is a great example. We gain access to a broader network of women-focused programs that are designed to break down barriers and create opportunities for women at all levels of the industry.” Sarah’s highlight was speaking at TCI EXPO ’24 with four of her female peers: “So many women came up afterward asking questions. It has shown me first-hand the value of this partnership.” Looking to the Future SavATree consistently refines its culture to ensure every team member—regardless of background—feels recognized, supported, and empowered. Amanda says: “While we’ve made great strides, we know that progress is ongoing, and we’ll continue to explore innovative new solutions. We want everyone to have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.” Sarah points out that women comprise about 20% of our workforce but that we’re accelerating gains: “Our progress is gaining momentum, and we must continue to push forward. You can never let your foot off the gas.” She also highlights the need for broader diversity: “I’m so proud of the role we’ve played in advancing women in tree care. And I hope we can make a point of moving other underrepresented groups forward as well. Anyone interested in the cause is welcome to reach out to me on LinkedIn.” At SavATree, we believe in fostering a workforce where everyone who works here, thrives here. This goal not only supports individual careers but also strengthens our industry and communities. As we move ahead, we remain committed to building a more inclusive, innovative future in tree care. To find open roles at SavATree, please visit https://www.savatreecareers.com/.