Haijing “HQ” Qiu is a recent graduate of the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden. Prior to this career transition, she built a decade long career as a leader in product/project management in the tech industry, developing various digital experiences. Through motherhood and a post-pandemic spirit journey, HQ finally found the courage needed to embrace her yearning to mitigate and adapt to climate change through the power of plants. She believes the combination of her skills in horticulture, UIUX design, and operational management can provide unique approaches in the restoration initiatives. After creating several small-scale native gardens and experimental micro-forests, HQ aspires to be a voice in a growing community of ecological horticulturalists seeking greater inclusion into the restoration and conservation efforts.