Meet a Staffer: Monica Lutes

Photo: Monica Lutes

BY MONICA LUTES

Tell us a little about yourself. Family? Where do you live and work?

I grew up in Shelbyville, Indiana, and now live in rural Shelby County. My husband, Doug, and I have been married for 32 years and have three wonderful daughters and a great son-in-law. Our family also includes our beloved poodle, Sammy, and grandcat, Luna.

I’m excited to start as the new Development and Engagement Manager for Indiana Audubon! This new role allows me to support the organization’s mission while nurturing my passion for birding.

What excites you most about joining the team?

I’ll be working for an organization whose mission aligns with my passions – birding, nature conservation, and education. I’m excited to help fellow beginning birders discover Indiana Audubon, and I’m thrilled to learn from birding experts.

Can you tell us about your professional background and how it will inform your role at Indiana Audubon?

For the past 8 years, I’ve directed a STEM bridge program connecting education to industry, fostering relationships with stakeholders to promote the program. Previously, I worked in supply chain management, coordinating component logistics. Now, I’m excited to leverage my relationship-building skills, logistics experience, and passion for birding to advance Indiana Audubon’s mission.

How do you envision leveraging community engagement to further Indiana Audubon’s mission?

There are many ways to engage communities in enjoying our natural resources – volunteerism, education, wellness initiatives, tourism programs, and conservation projects, to name a few. I’m excited to highlight birding and conservation as a means to support mental and physical health in a busy world. Indiana Audubon offers numerous resources to help individuals and communities discover the joys of birding and connect with nature.

What got you interested in birds and birding?

I can trace my fascination with birds back to three pivotal moments. The first spark ignited when I was a young camp counselor in Bedford, where I spotted a vibrant American Goldfinch and was captivated by its beauty. Years later, my husband and I marveled at a pair of owls nesting in a dying tree, amazed by their determination to thrive in an unlikely environment.

The third spark came when I broke my ankle and spent weeks recovering in a recliner, gazing out at our backyard. With my husband keeping the bird feeders full, I watched woodpeckers, nuthatches, and songbirds up close, sparking a curiosity that led me to research and learn more. That’s when my passion for birding truly took flight.

This Q&A originally ran in the August–September 2024 print edition of The Cardinal.