Pro Soccer Player Jasmyne Spencer: Empowering the Youth to Speak up for our Planet
At EMA, we believe that EVERYONE is an environmentalist and has a role to play. Speaking on behalf of nature isn’t limited to scientists and outdoor experts; anyone can take a unique approach to caring. For this reason, we are thrilled to share the experience of a professional soccer player who uses her platform to speak up for the Earth.
Jasmyne Spencer is a Long Island native and graduate of University of Maryland. She has been playing professional soccer for 13 years most recently playing for the Vancouver Rise where she won the first ever Northern Super League Championship. Jasmyne is an executive board member of the Black Women’s Player Collective and also the founder of Jas it Up, a sustainable lifestyle brand, whose mission is to uplift communities, empower the youth, and protect the environment.
We are seeing more athletes speak up for our planet. How does being a professional soccer player relate to your environmentalism?
I grew up playing a myriad of outdoor sports, so I've always had an affinity for nature. I love being outside; it's my favorite part of the job, and so I take great responsibility in using my platform to advocate for the environment.
When did you realize you wanted to do more for the Earth?
Captain Planet was my favorite show as a kid, so I've always tried to be engaged in environmentalism. I was in the garden club in middle school and have organized beach clean-ups throughout college and early on in my pro career. As my platform has grown, my ability to encourage more people to take care of the planet has too, and that’s been exciting.
Tell us about Jas It Up and how it inspires people to go green
Jas It Up is a sustainable lifestyle brand that I started to share an extension of myself with the world. Every collection is created shares a message on the importance of protecting the environment and uplifting communities that are most deeply impacted by social and environmental injustice. My hope is that with each piece purchased, people continue to share that messaging with others.
What’s your message to all the athletes out there who want to get more involved in sustainability?
The climate crisis is increasingly impacting sport, but collectively we have the power to make a difference. Small changes made in your daily life and speaking up about threats to the environment are so impactful. The more you use your platform to educate and inspire others, the greater impact we will have.
Finally, how can our audience stay in touch and support your work?
For anyone interested in staying in touch or being part of my efforts, you can follow me on IG: @jayspence3, or shop my lifestyle brand @jasitup_official (www.jasitupofficial.com). A portion of each collection is donated to non-profit organizations engaged in community-based social justice and environmental issues.
Interview by EMA Director of Marketing, Jay Jasinski.