Franchesca Ruiz (she/her) is a third-year member of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), where she has enjoyed honing her advocacy skills by assisting NPCA in engaging underrepresented communities and strengthening the outdoor and conservation efforts in Southern California.

Born and raised in the Inland Empire near the San Bernardino Mountains, Franchesca grew up camping in Wrightwood and hiking around Mt. Baldy with her family. Her deep love for nature and community drives her dedication to preserving green spaces for future generations. Franchesca holds a B.A. in Global Studies from UC Riverside and brings 8 years of experience in environmentalism. Her roles as an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Southern California Mountains Foundation, a Conservation Agent with the Peace Corps in Panama, a Crew Supervisor with the LA Conservation Corps, and a Zero Waste Specialist with a recycLA waste hauler have equipped her with a diverse skill set in international development, community outreach, trail work, and environmental education. Currently, she works as the Agency Relations Manager for Food Forward, a nonprofit organization that recovers fresh surplus fruits and vegetables to be enjoyed by people experiencing food insecurity. A passionate outdoor enthusiast, Franchesca loves hiking, camping, and exploring LA’s green spaces, including Ballona Creek and Griffith Park. Her strong belief in the healing power of nature and dedication to outdoor access advocacy fuel her commitment to environmentalism.