Nurturing Connections: Nutrien’s Geismar Nitrogen Facility and Community Investment
Published: Sep 22, 2023
Ebonie Raby is a Senior Advisor for Community Relations & Investment at Nutrien’s Geismar, Louisiana nitrogen facility.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ebonie's journey led her to new horizons. Eager for new adventures and the embrace of family, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2012. The spirit of community and resilience drew her to build her first home in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, during the challenging times of the Great Flood in 2016.
Ebonie's role: fostering connections
In her role at the Geismar nitrogen facility, Ebonie wears many hats. Her mission is to create and nurture meaningful relationships with community stakeholders, ensuring that the communities of East Iberville and Ascension Parishes are not only served but also positively impacted by Nutrien's presence. Ebonie's dedication lies in building bridges between Nutrien and the local community, fostering collaboration that leads to shared growth. “In a nutshell, we’re focused on building resilient communities, sustainable agriculture and inclusive career opportunities,” says Ebonie.
- Resilient communities: Ebonie and the Geismar team work closely with local food pantries, organizing mobile distributions and partnering with educational institutions including scholarships, as well as the promotion of financial literacy among youth.
- Sustainable agriculture: The site sponsors fresh produce at the local farmers’ market and supports agricultural programs in local schools, aiming to cultivate a culture of sustainable farming practices.
- Inclusive careers: This includes championing local hiring and work readiness programs, providing scholarships, and ensuring that the community benefits from the opportunities created by Nutrien's operations.
A day in the life: outreach with impact
Every day is a new adventure for Ebonie. Her schedule is a mix of interactions, from engaging with elected officials to updating the community on local hiring and projects. She meets with community stakeholders and advisory groups, educational leaders, and volunteers, orchestrating events that range from employee engagement initiatives to safety and leadership meetings.
Proud moments and future aspirations
Ebonie's proudest achievements stem from the support, motivation, and trust of her leaders and the community relations and investment team in conducting her work. In less than a year, she has forged impactful relationships and driven change. As she reflects on the progress made so far, she sees an even brighter future for the community, with outreach and impact expanding over the years.
“Our leadership and staff are committed to the community where they live and work, including rolling up their sleeves at local volunteering events that help Nutrien continue to make a positive difference,” says Ebonie. “In my short time in this role, I continue to be proud of our site’s work and how it’s improving the community for our neighbors.”
Ebonie's advice for the next generation
"Don't be afraid to accomplish your goals," Ebonie urges young people and students. “Seek help when needed, commit to continuous learning, and set an example of inclusion and leadership for the generations that will follow you.”
Geismar’s new community investment page
Ebonie emphasizes the significance of the new Geismar community investment page. “It serves as a platform for our site to share stories, showcasing who we are and our focus areas,” says Ebonie. “It’s all about the authentic relationships cultivated with community stakeholders and the results that stem from that ongoing collaboration.”