Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Dean Whitbeck is an experienced educator, photographer, and entrepreneur currently serving as Adjunct Faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts. As Co-Founder of Jake + Dean Uncommon Coasters, Dean Whitbeck specializes in product design using authentic artifacts and leads Project RePurpose, which supports educational initiatives. The founding of deanWHITBECK highlights expertise in visual campaigns that enhance brand social missions, working with clients such as Capital One and Apple. As Workforce Strategist at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Dean Whitbeck designs programs that improve workforce training opportunities. Previous roles include Communications Strategist at ART 180 and Education Program Director at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, alongside directing a Federal Technology Innovation Challenge Grant at Oakland Unified School District. Educational background includes a Graduate Fellowship from Yale University and two degrees from Saint Mary's College of California.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s mission is education and our passion is connecting people and plants to improve communities. Our goal is to extend beyond traditional boundaries to have a positive impact and to enrich lives. The Garden is growing fresh produce for the hungry; actively participating in urban greening and water management initiatives; contributing to economic development and work-force training; and educating diverse youth and adult audiences about critical issues related to the interdependence of plants and people. Our Mission affirms the Garden as a primary resource for learning about the botanical world—its beauty, heritage, and significance to the web of life. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden connects people through plants to improve communities. Our Vision builds upon our accomplishments and expanded presence and responsibility as we have transformed from a local attraction to a national place of excellence. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, including the new Lewis Ginter Nature Reserve, reveals the unity and integration of human and plant life, celebrates the fundamental significance of the natural world, and enriches communities through horticultural and educational excellence and innovative outreach initiatives.