Sarah Janiga

I assist the four department librarians with clerical duties, complete light reference questions for a diverse public, help to create marketing tools, implement school programming, and maintain a clean department.

I help with Brookfield Zoo event planning, setup, and execution to exceed guest and sponsor expectations. Events include Party for the Planet, Summer Nights, sponsor volunteer days, Zoo Brew, and more.

I coordinate outreach details for community events such as Arlington International Family Day and the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Farmer's Market. I create meaningful resources, like crafts for children, that spread the word about wildlife care and conservation. I inform the public about the benefits of Zoo patronage and membership to help enhance their Zoo experiences. Interactions like these allow me to maximize each potential guest's interest in care and support for the natural world. I promote Zoo events, attractions, activities, and the overarching conservation efforts of the Society around the world.

I monitor social media activity of Zoo partners to maintain these positive relationships. In addition, I use tools like Raiser's Edge to research current, past, and potential partnerships with organizations whose core values align with those of the Chicago Zoological Society.

I inspire youth and community members with STEM programs. I co-facilitate and simulate missions to the Moon, Mars, Comets, for up to 36 students, leading a futuristic Space Station Mission Control. I teach students to utilize all their resources and to work with teammates to problem solve. I also train future astronauts, ages 3-16, during Astronaut Training 101 Explorer Clubs. I love seeing my students become engaged with the world around them.

In addition, I represent the Center during on-site and off-site outreach events, including Second Saturday planetarium viewings and information booths in Chicagoland. With this, I hope to foster support of space exploration and preservation of our planet.