The conversation continues with Stephanie Rach, founder of Let's Go Chipper

Below is part two of a recent interview with Stephanie Rach, local mom and founder of Let’s Go Chipper™
 

Laurel: How are you inspired by your own children?
 

Stephanie: I am forever inspired by my girls. They are silly, curious, contemplative and full of fire. Though my older daughter has a medical condition, she is full of magic, completely opposite of the diagnosis. I am in awe of her sometimes. My youngest asks a million questions a day and always keeps me thinking. Both girls color and write to give me ideas. They also pull me away from work and remind me I'm supposed to play as well. A few weeks ago, a praying mantis couple was at our door just as we were dashing to school. We watched, used our Flip video, and marveled at the entire life cycle process. Then my five-year-old walked into kindergarten exclaiming, "I have the wing of the male because his wife ate his brains!" As parents, we can easily miss out on their humor and imagination with the need to rush around these days.
 

Laurel: You collaborate with other socially and environmentally focused programs. How do you go about this process?

Stephanie: I'm a firm believer that the tide can rise for all, so support, collaborate, and give even when you think you can't. We give products, utilize proceeds from products, and give from our own pockets to groups such as schools in the Tenderloin, Bronx, or the YMCA to educational programs at Washita Battlefield National Historical Site and more. Our main goal is to support like-minded organizations and help them put educational programs in place so those programs can thrive. From helping coordinate outreach efforts and marketing initiatives to creating products to support the educational programs, we have a great team.
 

We recently launched a new non-profit "Growing Up for Good" which acts as a marketing and educational support arm for like-minded organizations. Our goal is to guide one million new minds into local, state and national parks through various events and contributions. We are creating a book that will excite and educate young children about the natural habitats many little creatures call home. We will provide additional underwriting support as well and our goal is roll it out nationally. We continue to support other organizations like EcoMom Alliance which helps mothers, parents, and caregivers build a more sustainable home.
 

Laurel: What's next for you? Any new developments?

Stephanie: Our new book, "Break it Down with Bruce" debuted earlier this year. From the book, kids learn that even though the life of a banana slug may seem sticky they are earth's little vacuums and are a vital part of our eco-system. Chipper's adventures will continue too. You’ll see new books, music, and a life-size Chipper available for class room visits and events. We launched our app store in March just in time for the summer camping season. The greatest opportunities are ahead of us. As Chipper would say, "Are you ready to go?"
 

EcoParent All Star Series
Stephanie's story is the first profile for "EcoParent All Star," a series of spotlights on Bay Area parents who take "being green" to the next level through education, volunteerism and/or weaving it into their professional calling. Stephanie is one of a growing number of parents in our community who are taking eco-action into their own hands.
 

If you or someone you know is an EcoParent All Star, going above and beyond to make a difference in living, working and being green, I'd love to know (and write) about them. Contact me at laurel@museadvisors.com.