Introducing Holly Cariddi, the Mystic River Watershed Association’s new Development Director! In this role, Holly will engage individuals and institutions in supporting the MyRWA team’s work to protect the watershed for all residents and increase its resilience to climate change.
Join us in getting to know Holly with this fun Q and A:
Image of Holly on a hike.
Q: Tell us about an experience that has led you here:
Having my son, Avery. In past five years, I have used my professional skills and experience to fundraise in support of global environmental initiatives, but having my son in 2025 made me want to work to protect and restore nature closer to home. He and his generation deserve to inherit clean water and a healthy watershed, and I want to be part of the team working to make that a reality.
Q: What’s something interesting about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
I’m a certified yoga teacher and did my training at The Arlington Center down the street from MyRWA. In 2019-2020, I taught classes in person and virtually at a studio in Medford. While I no longer teach, I am still a dedicated student of yoga.
Q: What is your favorite type of food to cook?
I love cooking Chinese food. Growing up, making Kung Pao chicken or Mala pork was a special night in our house. My dad, who learned to make Chinese food from a chef at a restaurant he frequented, would bring out the big wok. It was always quite a production. I cook from the same cookbook he used when I was little, and now making Chinese food is a favorite family pastime with my husband and son.
Q: What’s your favorite season?
Without a doubt, fall! Fall arrives to save us from the heat and humidity and ushers in the most beautiful colors we get to see at scale in nature. Fall activities like apple and pumpkin picking and hayrides are some of my favorite things to do all year. It also inspires lots of baking. Apple pie, apple crisp, and pumpkin bread – yum!
Q: What part of your job are you most excited about?
I’m excited to meet my neighbors in the watershed and help deepen their connection to its lands, waters, and wildlife. Working together, we can accelerate meaningful and lasting impact that supports all life in the watershed.
Have any questions for Holly or want to introduce yourself? Feel free to email her at holly.cariddi@mysticriver.org
