I am an immigrant woman, proud to be Oaxacan. My single mother taught me to be independent and to forge my own path. My family is full of food lovers, nature respecting, hardworking people.

I am grateful for living a rich life full of different experiences. Some jobs I have worked include being a cashier, nanny, organizer for immigrant rights and education, project manager etc. In my twenties I realized my real passion is nature in all its forms. I volunteered for Latino Outdoors and People for Mobility Justice to gain experience in connecting my community to nature in Los Angeles. Crossing over from the field of education to a green career as a Garden Manager responsible for 8 gardens in LA county. In 2016 I began working for the National Parks Conservation Association. I continue to grow in my role and am committed to connect more people to local and national parks. Currently what I am most enjoying about my work role is supporting young leaders through NPCA’s Next Generation Advisory Council.

I see learning as a lifelong commitment, while I value my B.A. in Spanish from Grinnell College (Iowa) and my M.A. in Latin American Studies from Cal State Los Angeles, I continue to take community-based courses such as “Hood Herbalism” to learn about plant medicine in a way that connects me to my ancestors. In my free time I enjoy tending to my many house plants, star gazing, and of course sharing meals with family and friends.

My Favorite Parks