Jane Brelvi
Office Manager, Bookkeeper & Rental Coordinator
Jane Brelvi, a New Jersey native, has been living her dream life in her paradise of Sonoma County since 2012. She transplanted herself to the rich soils of Northern California in 2011 after graduating from New York University with a degree in Environmental Science and Pre-Medicine. Her impetus for moving out west was to cultivate her career in farming. Jane spent 8 years with her hands in the dirt and the sun on her skin. Now, she has the unique position of being the office manager, bookkeeper, and rental coordinator at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center.
On Staff Since: 2019 Email > Phone: x103
In Their Own Words
My work at OAEC:
Currently, I assume a few different roles at OAEC. I work directly with our Operations and Finance Director, as well as with our administrative interns, to attend to the needs of our guests and staff members. This includes financial interfacing and reporting, while also being a point of contact in the office. Together, we support each other with the logistics and communications for our programs, courses, and events. Additionally, I am the coordinator for our on-site rentals and tours.
My background:
Originally, I am from New Jersey and spent my first 18 years of life there. I grew up in the theatre doing countless musicals and plays. New York City was my home for 4 years while I attended NYU, studying Environmental Science, Pre-Medicine, Chemistry, Philosophy and more. Upon graduating in 2011, I moved to Northern California to pursue a career in sustainable organic agriculture. My customer service experience began at a young age when I got my first job working in a pizzeria; I realized early on how important it is to be accountable, have integrity, and communicate clearly. Throughout my years of farming, I have learned the most through hands-on work interacting with plants and animals. Being a virgo, I have a natural penchant for numbers and details. I get really excited about organization and spreadsheets.
My passions:
I am devoted to my adorable, lovely puppy, Ruby. I love to farm, dance, sing, play the ukulele, act, paint, knit, cook, travel, hike, bike, swim, see live music, and the list goes on. One of my favorite activities is learning and acquiring new skills. I spend my free time performing around the Bay Area and doing a podcast called Radical Queers about queer farming.
Why my work matters:
As an organization, the work we are doing is serving the global community and helping to make this world a better place. The values upheld by OAEC and systematic approach to improving our environment are very important to me. The work I do at OAEC helps to keep the wheels turning and the production flowing. From paying the bills to assisting guests during their retreats, I show up and am present for all of the requests that come my way. In addition to the practical facets of my job, I contribute to the dynamic culture and community. These aspects of my work matter because they increase the efficiency and functionality of OAEC, which as a whole has a large-scale impact.