A breakfast reception and discussion hosted by the Banyan Legacy Society
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.-Noon
RSVP required by January 3 to Audra Platz – audra@scbgf.org or 424-452-0920
All are welcome. Banyan membership is not required. Continental breakfast and coffee will be served.
The Banyan Legacy Society honors those who generously include South Coast Botanic Garden in their wills or estate plans.
Moderator
Christina Pascucci
Christina Pascucci is an award-winning journalist, humanitarian, and former U.S. Senate candidate with over 15 years of impactful storytelling. She has reported from 105+ countries, interviewing figures like the Dalai Lama and shedding light on untold stories. A former journalist with Fox News, KTLA, and Fox Los Angeles, Christina is also a board member of organizations like the Children of War Foundation and 88 Bikes, which fights child sex trafficking.
A passionate advocate for foster youth, inspired by her own family’s experience, Christina works to improve the foster care system through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Junior League of Los Angeles. Her environmental efforts earned her the title of Goodwill Ambassador to Palau, while her role as an L.A. County Aviation Commissioner underscores her civic leadership.
Christina is also a licensed pilot, scuba diver, mountain climber, and member of the Explorers Club. A USC first-generation graduate and fluent Spanish speaker, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and infant daughter.
Panelists
Gina Cousineau
Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, has been a fitness professional for over 35 years, blending her expertise in culinary arts, dietetics, and integrative nutrition to help clients achieve lasting health transformations. Based in San Clemente, California, where she resides with her husband, four children, and two grandchildren, Gina draws on decades of experience to customize sustainable lifestyle plans. Her approach emphasizes using “food as medicine,” a balanced exercise routine, and preventative care to combat lifestyle diseases and improve overall well-being. With over 200 recipes in her virtual library, interactive coaching sessions, and practical strategies like her “cook once, enjoy twice” mantra, Gina empowers clients of all ages to build healthy habits that stick. Learn more about Gina by visiting her website mamagslifestyle.com/mama-g.
Amanda Steman
From a young age, Amanda Steman recognized the transformative power of nature, movement, creativity, and play to inspire renewal and grounding. This passion led her to found Fundamental Growth, where she combines years of research, specialized study, and real-world experience to offer a unique approach that blends mindfulness, body awareness, and outdoor therapy. My practice enhances traditional talk therapy with tools like creative expression and physical activity, benefiting not only those navigating mental health challenges but also individuals seeking support to advance in their careers or personal growth. Amanda has degrees in psychology and recreation and is a Master of Social Welfare from UCLA. Learn more about Amanda’s work at fundamentalgrowth.com.
Georgiann Keller
Georgiann’s love of gardening was instilled by her British mom who also taught her the lessons found in the cycle of life. After caring for her mom through the aging process, Georgiann sought to reconnect with her passions. In 2019, she returned to the Botanic Garden as a volunteer activity facilitator, rediscovering the community and beauty of the Garden. During the COVID pandemic, Georgiann launched a weekly audio blog, What’s Blooming in the Garden, celebrating the cycles of nature and the power of renewal. Her contributions were recognized in 2022 when she became the first recipient of the Francis Young Award for Service to the Garden and in 2023, she reached 1,000 volunteer hours. Through her digital storytelling, Georgiann shares the Garden’s beauty and her deep fascination with nature, building connections across generations of visitors and inspiring others to find renewal and wonder in the natural world.