Lee Gentry joined Azul Lavanda Team in late 2010 bringing huge experience in the area of education and a huge energy and motivation to develop the Lavender Project further. Lee has a Bachelor’s of Art – Education and Spanish & Master’s of Art of Elementary Education. She is certified as an English language teacher and served on a School Council Board for two years. Lee is also a member of Bale – O’Bryan South Central Bank Succession Board and a Kid Yoga Instructor.

What were you doing before you worked with the Lavender Project?

Living in San Miguel de Allende experiencing the Mexican culture, learning Spanish, care giving, educating children….finding myself

How did you get involved with the Lavender Project?

Three years ago, I was walking one Sunday afternoon and peeked in Petit Four, a café in SMA.  I saw a lovely line of products and beautiful women selling at the bar there.  I bought an eye pillow for myself.  I thanked the lovely woman (now I know to be Lucia) and have slept with the lavender pillow ever since (now I have 3).   Then two years later, I ran into a friend in the street and she said, “Lee, I have the perfect job for you!  Coordinator of the Lavender Project!  Not remembering the Lavender ladies, I said ok, send me the info, but didn’t think much of it, bc she often said she had the perfect job for me.  One hour later, in the streets of San Miguel, I ran into another friend and in passing she gave me a lavender bouquet.  In that moment, there was a nudge from within that forced me to say, “Ok…I am listening.”  A few weeks later I was asked to help with the annual event.  I volunteered to assist Lori Richardson (chairperson of event) to help.  I met Tes and Jim for a brief moment.  Then I left for the states for the next 4-5 months not knowing if I was going to return to SMA, Mexico….I was open.  Some time in Sept.  I received an email from Tes asking if I would be interested in being Project Manager for the Lavender Project… I was hesitant (due to my own lack of self-confidence) one email later, and a phone call, I accepted the job.

What brought you to San Miguel?

Ummm….how to explain….just listened to the inner voice that said it was time for a change.  I had everything that was equivalent to happiness, but something was missing.   I followed the signs, the flow of my life, my heart, my journey.  My heart always led me to Mexico for visits, for professional development in my teaching career.  I wanted to go somewhere, live a different culture, but really live and experience a life outside of my upbringing.  Mexico felt comfortable to begin this journey.

What has surprised you most about working with the Lavender Project?

Myself. It is the reflection I see in all of these women.  The things I am teaching and guiding them to do  are my own lessons.

What’s your favourite thing about San Miguel/La Colorada?

I have always known that anything is possible but SMA brings this phrase to its life and truest potential.  Everywhere you look, beautiful things are being created from all forms of art, organizations being created and supported one after another supporting the Mexican community all with the theme of empowering the locals and creating a sustainable life here.  It’s rather beautiful.

What’s your favorite thing about working with the Lavender Project?

Driving one hour everyday to work ending on the washboard road just to see Lucia’s confidence building every day. Lupe’s fairness,  Angelina’s wisdom, Elizabeth’s determination, Esther’s guidance, Lilia’s creativity,  Beatriz leadership, Aucencio’s ambition, Rosa Maria’s smile, Paola’s smile and ability to speak in something I think is Spanish and somehow we communicate.  Pedro teaching me to use an jos to cut the fresh lavender.  Elizabeth’s head on my shoulder that lets me know we are ALL in it TOGETHER.  The truth is that we are and together is the only way in order to move adelante!

What do you do when you’re not sleeping, eating and thinking about the Lavender Project?

What does that feel like?   How will I ever know any different?  The Project is in my heart and soul por siempre.  What helps to break away for a bit…I live in the country outside of SMA, so that allows me to break at a physical distance.  There I spend time in nature with Sergio living rather simply, growing organic vegetables, throwing baseball, learning to ride a horse, lying in a hammock for most sunsets, reading books about other social entrepreneur’s projects and NO INTERNET!  I love being outside!   Outside of work and Mexico, I travel to the US a lot to visit friends and family, as well as attending family bank board meetings.

What do you wish other people knew about the Lavender Project?

I wish others knew how much support and guidance that is needed in order to bring a project such as this one to sustainability.  It isn’t a part time project; therefore, full time consultants are essential in order to reach the 5 year goal of sustainability.  Also, the magic of what empowerment can do for giving one an opportunity for a better quality of life.  Also, that we are creating a model for other rural communities in Mexico and outside of Mexico.

What motivates you?

Work that empowers and educates people to improve their quality of life.   Knowing that I can make the change I want to see in the world by loving, connecting, educating, learning with and from others.

What is the biggest challenge facing the Lavender Project over the next two years?

Sustainability.  Creating more jobs.  Water preservation.