by SYNKD—Landscape design, build and maintain all on the same page

Understanding Trees: Tree Planting

By Angelique Robb

When Kayla Lujan joined Down To Earth (DTE) Landscape & Irrigation in 2021, she saw a gap: women in landscaping were underrepresented, with only 16 percent of the workforce being female. Determined to foster change and demonstrate the power of female landscaping ingenuity, she launched the Female Workforce Development (FWD) Initiative, a program with the goal of cultivating female talent through mentorship, training and growth opportunities across DTE’s Florida branches.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kayla to discuss this initiative, its impact and what she’s seen in the world of landscaping design + build + maintain as a result.

From Gardener to VP: Kayla’s Journey of Mentorship

Kayla’s career trajectory is a testament to the power in finding the right mentor. She began in 2010 as a Gardener Level 1 with ValleyCrest Companies and advanced through the ranks in business development and management, transitioning through BrightView Landscapes and Compass Community Living before taking on leadership at Down To Earth. By 2024, she rose to VP of Sales & Marketing for DTE.

Her mentors’ guidance and belief in her potential gave her the confidence to progress. She’s now focused on replicating that success for other women in the landscaping field by becoming the mentor she needed to help her envision and work toward her true potential.

The DTE FWD Program: Creating a Pathway for Women in Landscaping Leadership

DTE FWD is a structured, female-led support network. It offers women in the company career paths that go beyond traditional roles. Through quarterly mentorships and in-person training, DTE FWD helps women realize opportunities that may have previously felt out of reach.

For many, this initiative has highlighted that progression from positions like a gardener or crew leader to managerial and landscaping business development roles is possible. These have the potential to lead to more women-run and women-owned landscaping businesses, narrowing the gap in the industry.

“It’s essential that women in landscaping can see their potential—and then reach it with the right support,” Kayla says. She credits DTE’s CEO Tom Lazaro, who supported her vision from day one. And she continues to lead with Tom’s encouragement, addressing systemic improvements and promoting a diversity-forward culture at every level.

Women in Leadership: Transforming Team Dynamics and Outcomes

Kayla has witnessed firsthand the distinct strengths women bring to DTE’s traditionally male-dominated field teams, which she believes often lead to stronger outcomes. In her experience, women tend to bring an innate attention to detail and high standards of communication, which positively impact customer satisfaction, especially on high-profile accounts like resort properties and HOAs.

Kayla noted that female-led crews have often excelled in roles requiring precision, such as maintenance on intricate landscape designs.

Kayla described how blending women into teams not only creates a more inclusive environment, but also introduces fresh perspectives that improve performance and morale across projects. “I’ve seen that women’s attention to detail and strong communication skills help create lasting client relationships,” she told me, observing how these qualities contribute to DTE’s success.

By ensuring teams are diverse and encouraging collaborative decision-making, DTE can deliver outstanding service tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Transforming Field Operations

Through FWD, Kayla has introduced impactful and practical operational changes that have long been neglected in many landscaping companies—such as fitting safety vests and gear to meet women’s sizing needs— boosting safety and comfort for female team members. Enhanced training on navigating executive conversations also empowered women to seek promotions and salary negotiations.

DTE is also building an internal mentorship network, connecting women with seasoned leaders, including male allies like Tom Trombly, an operational leader dedicated to mentoring across genders.

“It’s amazing to see women’s eyes light up when they realize they can aim higher—that they don’t have to stay in the same role,” Kayla told me. The initiative has provided countless team members with the tools and support to think beyond their current positions.

Looking Ahead: Empowering the Future of Landscaping

As DTE prepares for the initiative’s one-year anniversary, Kayla is raising the bar on her own aspirations for the program. She plans a new wave of mentorships, resources for career growth and a continued focus on diversity and inclusivity across DTE’s branches.

With recruiting practices now broadening to include women and other underrepresented groups actively, DTE is paving the way for a truly inclusive landscaping industry.

“We’ve already seen more women coming into our teams, and I can’t wait to see how much more we grow,” Kayla says. The initiative’s impact has been profound, positioning DTE as a leader in diversity and growth within the green industry.

Kayla’s FWD initiative showcases the power of strategic support and mentorship in reshaping an industry traditionally dominated by men. By valuing diverse perspectives and skills, DTE isn’t just building landscapes; it’s cultivating an empowered, future-ready workforce that will inevitably include more women in landscaping roles— especially in leadership.