Alumni Spotlight: Imani Maxberry, Founder and CEO, Fort Berry Alternatives

• Degree: BS, Coastal Environmental Science, 2018
• Hometown: Atlanta, GA
• High School: Westlake High

Small business owner Imani Maxberry (they/them) is putting a coastal environmental science degree to use as an entrepreneur. Imani, a 2018 CES alum, is the founder and CEO of Fort Berry Alternatives, an Atlanta-based provider of eco-friendly services. Fort Berry Alternatives offers event planning with a twist – the company advocates for local businesses and educates the community about environmental sustainability.

“I started the business to help communities come together and help businesses that are already out there to elevate so they can become sustainable. I wanted to bring environmental awareness to my community and be creative about it as well,” Imani said.

The idea for this business began during Imani’s time in the coastal environmental science program at LSU. During sophomore year, Imani began processing samples in the Biological Analytical Science Laboratory under the tutelage of Dr. Victor Rivera-Monroy (he/him). For the next three years, Imani assisted Rivera-Monroy with research pertaining to wetland habitats, such as mangrove and salt marshes in coastal Louisiana and in the Florida Everglades.

According to Rivera-Monroy, “Imani’s ability to ‘do it all’ was a real asset in the lab. During this time Imani became even more articulate, intellectually curious, and interested in talking about ideas related not only to science, but other disciplines, including political and social sciences. This broad range of interests and skills makes Imani a valuable resource for business and communities no matter where you are in the USA or other parts of the world.”

While studying in the lab, Imani learned about the disconnect between the environmental data being gathered and studied by scientists and the underprivileged communities that would benefit from it. So, they decided to take the knowledge gained at LSU back home to Atlanta, Georgia, and increase awareness of environmental sustainability.

“I'm from Southwest Atlanta, a predominantly minority area, and in my neighborhood we didn’t have things like recycling. And I didn't really realize it until this class—we didn't have recycling. We were living in a food desert. There were no gardens in town or any of these types of things. So, I just fell in love with the idea of bringing that home,” Imani said.

After graduation, Imani worked for Cam Kirk Studios where they helped to integrate eco-friendly initiatives into the culture of the photography studio. Under Imani’s direction, the company purchased water dispensers to replace one-time-use plastic bottles, purchased and decorated community recycling bins using the services of a local artist, orchestrated creative community clean ups, and developed an annual Earth Day party to educate the community about recycling. These experiences helped Imani refine a business plan, and by December 2019, Fort Berry Alternatives became a full-time business.  

In addition to providing local businesses with environmentally friendly infrastructure, Fort Berry Alternatives helps them inject environmental sustainability and awareness into their activities and events. For example, at one event, they provided raffle tickets to guests who contributed recyclable items during the party, and the winner received Beats Headphones by Dr. Dre. Another event allowed free admission for guests who participated in one of eight community services activities coordinated by Fort Berry Alternatives. Recently, in response to COVID-19, Fort Berry Alternatives began incorporating more digital events into their repertoire, such as providing online seminars to teach people about environmental topics and stimulating community conversations.

Imani attributes the business’ success to the comprehensive nature of their coastal environmental science degree.

“I think there are a lot of people who try to do what I do, but the most fortunate part about it is I have a degree. That is what has been able to carry me so far in only the first year of running this business. The fact that I have four years of professional experience in a scientific research lab let’s people know that I know what I'm talking about,” Imani said.

This fall, Imani will further integrate their knowledge of environmental sciences and social sciences by enrolling in a master’s program at the Georgia State University Urban Studies Institute.

“My next step is just to continue to advance my knowledge of what goes on in the community that I currently live in and how I could actually be of service,” Imani said.