Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Holder.
Hi Meghan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our Mother’s Stewards had its beginnings in the spring of 2019 as a community beach cleanup that offered booth space for local business to showcase their organizations. The largest cleanup events are based around Mother’s Day each year and started as a cathartic way for me, the founder, to handle grief in a way that was not self deprecating. On May 9, 2011 my mother, Dawn C. Stewart-Holder passed away, which was the day after Mother’s Day that year. In 2019 I wanted a way to honor my mother, her volunteerism while giving back to the community that also included my passions of marine and environmental stewardship. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree on December 10, 2010 in Marine and Environmental Science. My mother’s visit for my graduation was the last time we saw each other. This initiative has grown into a non-profit since then and the name Our Mother’s Stewards is a reverence to multiple core pillars. One pillar is to give tribute to my mother whose Scottish maiden name of Stewart has the Gaelic meaning of Steward. Another, to honor Mothers and all of ours’ mother, including Mother Earth. This past year, 2026, we had our biggest event to date, held at the St. Augustine Beach Pier pavilion with over 115 attendees who removed over 80lbs of trash, local vendors, a local dog rescue with adoptable pups, live music by Old City Alchemy, and entertainment by Gypsy Players, & Performers. This event was held on May 9, 2026, the 15 year anniversary of my mother’s passing. Due to the outreach Our Mother’s Stewards has done, we are now involved with several other environmental cleanup opportunities in St. Johns County, Florida and upcoming in Hawaii. In 2025, we won the St. Augustine Beach’s Environmental Stewardship Organization Award.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, however it has been rewarding. We have had a tumultuous experience with some small government entities in attempts to rent or book establishments for our cleanup events that are cost effective. Some have required us to submit applications with a cost to the application with no guarantee of approval, others have denied us outright despite other similar organizations using the same location for their cleanup events. Getting clear answers and cooperation from governmental entities has been a set back, especially after obtaining our business/ non-profit status. In addition to this, there is some unhealthy competition which also hinders the progress environmental organizations seek. Another obstacle has been outside funding for the events and projects. Myself and the two other board members have supplied the majority of the financial, social media coverage, and website support for several years. We have recently received a grant from Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation for our most recent event which was a great respite compared to our other events. Financial support from sponsors to help cover more of the financial responsibilities has been an ongoing hurdle. Despite the struggles, the experience of business and personal growth and the connections made along the way have been extremely beneficial and rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our Mother’s Stewards is a Florida non-profit organization that specializes in environmental stewardship and cleanup events. I, Meghan A. Holder, am the founder of Our Mother’s Stewards. This organization was sprouted from a time of pain to help heal grief while helping others. This idea came after studying Nichirin Buddhism, where it is taught that the way to heal is to assist others. Our Mother’s Stewards is a conglomerate of initiatives ranging from grief healing, a tribute to my mother, honoring of all mothers, giving reverence to our Mother Earth, and giving back to the community by offering a space for local businesses to showcase their services. We offer our own Mother’s Day beach cleanup party, free to the public, as well as the opportunity to cohost private or corporate cleanup events. We are also working on several projects where we partner with like minded organization to support a community compost program with Epic Compost, educational series about native plants and gardens with the UF Master Gardeners, educational Eco Films with the St. Augustine Film Society, and supporting The Conservation Collective of St. Augustine.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have personally had several mentors along the way between friends, allies, business cohorts, and hired coaches. Each role has had its benefits, however, being able to discern and act on my own initiative and desires has been crucial to not only my development but also the uniqueness of the organization. Networking has been very beneficial in developing relationships with other business owners that have come to be sponsors, repeat supporters, and friends. None of these avenues work if there is no heart or authenticity towards building relationships and being accountable.
Pricing:
- One time or ongoing donations can be made at : https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-our-mothers-stewards-for-the-earth-we-share
- May 8 2027, Beach Cleanup Party sponsorship levels can be found here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/our-mothers-stewards-beach-cleanup-st-augustine-fl-may-8–2027
- Hale’iwa, HI Beach Cleanup event sponsorship opportunities are here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/our-mothers-stewards-beach-cleanup-haleiwa-hi-october-10–2026
- Corporate event opportunities starting at $250 for up to 50 people- more information can be requested by emailing information@ourmothersstewards.org
- $20 tickets to our fundraiser event at ReChic Vintage Clothing store on September 22, 2026 from 7p-9p can be found here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/our-mothers-stewards-fundraiser-at-rechic-treasure-september-22–2026
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ourmothersstewards.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourmothersstewards/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourmothersstewards
Image Credits
Chelsea Kiesewetter, Wayne Fusco, Meghan A. Holder
