TAMPA, Fla. — Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo is being recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month for her work connecting faith, environmental care, and community service in Tampa Bay.
Astudillo, who immigrated from Venezuela, is one of this year’s honorees at the annual American Dream Awards. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor recognized her for work with congregations and nonprofits focused on protecting the land in their communities.
“We live in this land what does this land have to give us; how do we protect it?” Astudillo said.
Astudillo is a Presbyterian pastor and coordinator of the climate justice and faith certificate program, which offers continuing education for Spanish speakers. She has used gardening as a way to teach others about the connection between faith and climate justice.
“It is part of our spirituality; God says to serve and protect the natural world and the most vulnerable, and one of the best ways to do that is by growing food,” Astudillo said.
Astudillo said the award is not only about her work but also about recognizing the contributions immigrants are making across the community.
Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo is being recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month for her work connecting faith, environmental care, and community service in Tampa Bay. (Spectrum News image)
“How us immigrants we are here protecting this land, loving this land, caring for this land, and the people, so it’s a way for also lifting up all the immigrants here making a difference,” she said.
That commitment has also taken root in Astudillo’s congregation. Pastor Esther Robles of First United Church of Tampa said the church garden, which includes papaya trees, tomatoes and other plants, has become a resource for the congregation and surrounding community, especially in times of need.
“Having a garden like this is a way of us showing that what we believe, we put it into practice,” Robles said.
Astudillo said she hopes gardens and other green spaces encourage people to think differently about their relationship with the environment.
“When you take care of the land, the land gives you so much, and it’s just amazing,” she said.
After recent hurricanes, Astudillo also helped organize neighbors to create Friends of Epps Park. The group is working to promote climate-resilient housing and plant more trees in the community.