Vanessa GarcÍa Polanco

Government Relations Director at the National Young Farmers Coalition

Vanessa Garcia Polanco co-designs the strategy and implementation of the National Young Farmers Coalition policy campaigns, ensuring equity-driven, farmer-centric research, policy, and programmatic interventions for a more just food system. She is an experienced leader, scholar, speaker, writer, and organizer working with food, agriculture and sustainability stakeholders to create and strengthen sustainable and just food systems and communities with research, policy and programmatic interventions. She serves as the organizational council member of the US National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. She has previously worked with the US Department of Agriculture, and the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. She is a United Nations Youth Agriculture Working Group member and was part of the 2021 New York Times Generation Climate at the United Nations Conference of the Parties Climate Hub. She is an alumna of Michigan State University and the University of Rhode Island. She is a James Beard Foundation Scholar; an Agriculture, Food & Human Values Society Innovation Leader; an Emerging Leader in Food and Ag; a Union of Concerned Scientists 2022 Science Defender; and a 2023 Grist 50 Climate Fixer. As an Afro-Dominican immigrant, she brings her experiences and identities to her policy and advocacy activities. In her free time, she leads Dominican Food Studies research projects and funnels financial and physical resources to Dominican food sovereignty projects. Vanessa García Polanco codiseña la estrategia y la implementación de las campañas políticas de la Coalición Nacional de Jóvenes Agricultores, garantizando investigaciones, políticas e intervenciones programáticas impulsadas por la equidad y centradas en los agricultores para un sistema alimentario más justo. Es una líder, académica, oradora, escritora y organizadora experimentada que trabaja con grupos interesados en temas de alimentación, agricultura y sostenibilidad para crear y fortalecer comunidades y sistemas alimentarios sostenibles y justos a través de investigaciones, políticas e intervenciones programáticas. Se desempeña como miembro del consejo organizacional de la Coalición Nacional de Agricultura Sostenible de EE. UU. Anteriormente trabajó en el Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. y el Centro de Sistemas Alimentarios Regionales de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan. Es miembro del Grupo de Trabajo de Agricultura Juvenil de las Naciones Unidas y formó parte de la Generación Clima 2021 del New York Times en el Centro Climático de la Conferencia de las Partes de las Naciones Unidas. Es graduada de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan y de la Universidad de Rhode Island. Es becaria de la Fundación James Beard; líder en innovación en la Sociedad de Agricultura, Alimentación y Valores Humanos; líder emergente en Alimentos y Agricultura; defensora de la ciencia de 2022 de la Unión de Científicos Conscientes; y Grist 50 Climate Fixer de 2023. Como inmigrante afrodominicana, aporta sus propias experiencias e identidades a sus actividades de políticas y promoción. En su tiempo libre, dirige proyectos de investigación de Estudios Alimentarios Dominicanos y canaliza recursos financieros y físicos hacia proyectos de soberanía alimentaria dominicana.

Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Consultant)

Author: "Fresh Banana Leaves"

She/Her Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Binnizá & Maya Ch'orti') is an Indigenous scholar, scientist, and community advocate based in the US Pacific Northwest. She has an academic background spanning marine sciences and environmental physics. Through her scientific and community work, she advocates for climate and environmental justice. She is the author of the award-winning book Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science. She is currently working on her second book, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate Displacement & Justice. Forbes has named Hernandez one of the 100 most powerful & influential women in Central America. La Dra. Jessica Hernández (Binnizá y Maya Ch'orti') es una académica, científica y defensora comunitaria indígena radicada en la costa noroccidental del Pacífico de Estados Unidos. Tiene una formación académica que abarca las ciencias marinas y la física ambiental. A través de su trabajo científico y comunitario, aboga por la justicia climática y ambiental. Es autora del libro premiado Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science. Actualmente está trabajando en su segundo libro, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate Displacement & Justice. Forbes nombró a Hernández como una de las 100 mujeres más poderosas e influyentes de Centroamérica.

Abel Olivo

Co-Founder & Executive Director, Defensores De La Cuenca/Nature Forward Board Member

He/Him/Él Abel Olivo is co-founder and executive director of Defensores de la Cuenca. An organization that engages Latinos and Spanish-speakers by creating opportunities to have fun and make positive connections to nature and grow their knowledge base on the benefits of a clean environment. An advocate for equal access to green space and clean environments for communities of color, Olivo works to bring resources to the community through strategic partnerships and skills building. Abel Olivo es cofundador y director ejecutivo de Defensores de la Cuenca. Una organización que involucra a latinos e hispanohablantes creando oportunidades para divertirse y hacer conexiones positivas con la naturaleza y aumentar sus conocimientos sobre los beneficios de un medio ambiente limpio. Olivo, un defensor de la igualdad de acceso a espacios verdes y entornos limpios para las comunidades de color, trabaja para llevar recursos a la comunidad a través de asociaciones estratégicas y desarrollo de habilidades.

Beattra Wilson

Assistant Director for Cooperative Forestry, USDA Forest Service

She/Her Beattra Wilson is the Assistant Director for Cooperative Forestry at USDA Forest Service in Washington, DC. As national lead for the agency’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, Ms. Wilson oversees program policy, budget, partnership development and strategic and equitable delivery of federal and state urban forestry programs. Under her leadership, the Urban and Community Forestry Program budget has surged from $32 million dollars to over $1.5 billion dollars in the fiscal budget and the Inflation Reduction Act funding. Over the years, Ms. Wilson has built a solid career administering conservation cooperative assistance programs at regional and national offices and has served on boards and committees to advance environmental justice, conservation workforce diversity and customer experience. Ms. Wilson has completed White House detail assignments to the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Management and Budget and co-chaired the Secretary of Agriculture’s Executive Committee for 1890 Land Grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Ms. Wilson has a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Forestry and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Beattra Wilson es Subdirectora de la Cooperativa Forestal del Servicio Forestal del USDA en Washington, DC. Como líder nacional del Programa Forestal Urbano y Comunitario de la agencia, la Sra. Wilson supervisa la política del programa, el presupuesto, el desarrollo de asociaciones y la ejecución estratégica y equitativa de los programas forestales urbanos federales y estatales. Bajo su liderazgo, el presupuesto del Programa Forestal Urbano y Comunitario ha aumentado de $32 millones de dólares a más de $1.5 mil millones de dólares en el presupuesto fiscal y la financiación de la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación. A lo largo de los años, la Sra. Wilson ha construido una sólida carrera administrando programas de asistencia cooperativa de conservación en oficinas regionales y nacionales, y ha formado parte de juntas y comités para promover la justicia ambiental, la diversidad de la fuerza laboral de conservación y la experiencia del cliente. La Sra. Wilson completó asignaciones detalladas de la Casa Blanca para el Consejo de Calidad Ambiental y la Oficina de Gestión y Presupuesto y copresidió el Comité Ejecutivo del Secretario de Agricultura para los colegios y universidades históricamente negros de concesión de tierras de 1890. La Sra. Wilson tiene una Licenciatura en Silvicultura Urbana y una Maestría en Administración Pública.

Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe

Assistant Editor - Hola Cultura

He/His Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe is a bilingual Mexican American multimedia journalist and documentary producer. He studied Comparative Literature and Visual Studies at Haverford College. As an editorial fellow in 2021, he led a youth reporting group and co-wrote an investigative series on D.C. 's heat islands. The story mapped temperature differences across the city and examined the disproportionate effects extreme heat can have on D.C.’s residents. He is the host of Hola Cultura's podcast, “The Climate Divide,” that examines D.C. 's heat islands and related health disparities along racial, ethnic and class lines. Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe es un periodista multimedia y productor de documentales, es bilingüe y mexicano-estadounidense. Estudió Literatura Comparada y Estudios Visuales en Haverford College. Como miembro editorial en 2021, dirigió un grupo de reporteros juveniles y coescribió una serie investigativa sobre las islas de calor de D.C. La historia mapeó las diferencias de temperatura en toda la ciudad y examinó los efectos desproporcionados que el calor extremo puede tener en los residentes de D.C. Es el presentador del podcast “The Climate Divide” de Hola Cultura que examina las islas de calor de D.C. y las disparidades de salud asociadas y delineadas según criterios raciales, étnicos y de clase. https://holacultura.com/seriesheatislands/

Mas Paz

Multidisciplinary Artist

He/His MasPaz is a Colombian born multidisciplinary artist, based in Washington DC. He is known for his distinctive street murals that explore topics of earth preservation and indigenous peoples. His work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the US and Latin America and his larger murals can be found in streets and spaces internationally. Mas Paz means ‘more peace’ in Spanish, a message he strives to embrace through art and philanthropy. MasPaz es un artista multidisciplinario nacido en Colombia y radicado en Washington DC. Es conocido por sus distintivos murales urbanos que exploran temas de preservación de la tierra y pueblos indígenas. Su trabajo se ha exhibido en galerías a lo largo de Estados Unidos y América Latina, y sus murales más grandes se encuentran en calles y espacios a nivel internacional. Mas Paz se esfuerza por transmitir "más paz" a través del arte y la filantropía.

Leonina Arismendi

Writer, Artist, Activist

They/Them Leonina Arismendi is a Uruguayan born Queer artist, translator, human rights, food access and environmental justice advocate. Leonina was recognized with the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Civic River Hero Award in 2023. Leonina’s work exists at the intersection of food justice, art and education. Leonina's writing can be found in News Latino Today, Latino Rebels and Farmers Footprint, they are known for a writing style considered very blunt, mostly driven by the urgent nature of the causes they advocate for. Leonina Arismendi es una artista queer nacida en Uruguay, es traductora, defensora de los derechos humanos, del acceso a los alimentos y de la justicia ambiental. Leonina fue reconocida con el premio Civic River Hero Award de la Anacostia Watershed Society en 2023. El trabajo de Leonina es una intersección de la justicia alimentaria, el arte, y la educación. Sus trabajos escritos pueden encontrarse en News Latino Today, Latino Rebels y Farmers Footprint. Los mismos son conocidos por un estilo de escritura considerado muy contundente, impulsado principalmente por la naturaleza urgente de las causas que defienden.

Brenda Perez

Equity and Engagement Program Analyst, DC Department of Energy & Environment

She/Her/Ella Brenda Perez is an award-winning community activist who is passionate about the environment and immigration. She has a master’s degree in water resources management from The University of the District of Columbia and is the Equity and Engagement Program Analyst for the DC Department of Energy and Environment. Recognizing that climate change is a time-sensitive issue, she strives to be inclusive and open up spaces for action in communities that have been impacted disproportionately. Brenda Pérez es una activista comunitaria galardonada, apasionada por el medio ambiente y la inmigración. Tiene una maestría en gestión de recursos hídricos de la Universidad del Distrito de Columbia y es analista del programa de equidad del Departamento de Energía y Medio Ambiente de DC. Reconociendo que el cambio climático es un tema urgente, se esfuerza por ser inclusiva y abrir espacios de acción en las comunidades que se han visto afectadas de manera desproporcionada. https://www.instagram.com/brenda.vpa/?hl=en"

Joe Toolan

Senior Manager of America the Beautiful for All Coalition Strategy and Development at Green Latinos

He/Him Joe is Senior Manager of America the Beautiful for All Coalition Strategy and Development at Green Latinos. He leads the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) work in the Chesapeake, and leads the implementation of the 4 Chesapeake focused grant programs. He has a background in community stewardship, behavior change, philanthropy, and organizational and network capacity building. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Geographical Sciences with a concentration in Environment Systems and Natural Resource Management from the University of Maryland, College Park and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University. Outside of NFWF, Joe is the Chair of the State of Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, the Chair of Annapolis Pride, a Planning Committee Member for the Naturally Latinos Conference, and the Chesapeake Watershed Forum. Joe es el Senior Manager of America the Beautiful for All Coalition Strategy and Development de Green Latinos. El Dirige el trabajo de Diversidad, Equidad, Inclusión y Justicia (DEIJ) en el Chesapeake y lidera la implementación de los cuatro programas de subvenciones enfocados en el Chesapeake. Tiene experiencia en gestión comunitaria, cambios de comportamiento, filantropía y desarrollo de capacidades organizativas y de redes. Obtuvo su licenciatura en Ciencias Geográficas con especialización en Sistemas Ambientales y Gestión de Recursos Naturales de la Universidad de Maryland, College Park; y un Certificado Ejecutivo en Gestión de Organizaciones Sin Fines de Lucro de la Universidad de Georgetown. Fuera de NFWF, Joe es el presidente de la Comisión de Asuntos LGBTQIA+ del estado de Maryland, el presidente de Annapolis Pride, es miembro del Comité de Planificación de la Conferencia Naturally Latinos y del Foro de la Cuenca de Chesapeake. https://www.instagram.com/toolan_joe/?hl=en

Josefina (Jo) Doumbia

Environmental Engineer PhD and Nature Forward Board Member

She/Ella Jo completed over 35 years of environmental and social experience in developing countries around the globe while working at the World Bank. Now a recent retiree, she is at the Board of Directors (including Nature Forward) of several environmental and social non profit organizations focused on nature preservation and climate solutions. As Jo is a strong advocate for expanding the outreach to non-English speaking and disadvantaged communities to empower them with the knowledge and access to nature at all levels, she has been instrumental in having several environmental organizations translating their materials into Spanish, setting Spanish channels at their websites, and delivering programs in Spanish. As a Fairfax Master Naturalist and Audubon at Home Ambassador, Jo engages and leads nature walks, coordinates environmental community events, delivers environmental awareness raising presentations, while also focusing on the preservation and protection of trees and native species. She is very proud of her backyard transformation, as today it is a true nature sanctuary visited by numerous species. Durante su trabajo en el Banco Mundial, Jo completó más de 35 años de experiencia ambiental y social en países en vías de desarrollo alrededor del mundo. Recientemente jubilada ahora forma parte de la junta directiva de varias organizaciones ambientales y sociales sin fines de lucro (incluida Nature Forward), centradas en la preservación de la naturaleza y las soluciones climáticas. Como firme defensora de ampliar el alcance a comunidades desfavorecidas, y que no hablan inglés, y empoderarlas con el conocimiento y el acceso a la naturaleza en todos los niveles, Jo ha sido decisiva para que varias organizaciones ambientales traduzcan sus materiales al español, establezcan canales en español en sus sitios web y ofrezcan programas en español. Como maestra naturalista de Fairfax y embajadora de Audubon at Home, Jo activa y dirige caminatas por la naturaleza, coordina eventos comunitarios ambientales y realiza presentaciones para aumentar la conciencia ambiental; al mismo tiempo que se enfoca en la preservación y protección de árboles y especies nativas. Está muy orgullosa de la transformación del jardín de atrás de su casa.

Denisse Guitarra

MD Conservation Advocate/NLC Co-Chair

She/Ella Denisse Guitarra is the Maryland Conservation Advocate at Nature Forward. She leads the policy and advocacy work in Montgomery County in areas such as climate change, sustainable land use, and forests. Denisse also has led the Latine community outreach work in Long Branch and Edmonston in Maryland. She holds a bachelor's in biology from Hood College and a master’s in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh. Denisse Guitarra es la defensora de la conservación de Maryland en Nature Forward. Lidera el trabajo de políticas ambientales en el condado de Montgomery en temas como el cambio climático, el uso sostenible de la tierra, y los bosques. Denisse también ha dirigido el trabajo de alcance comunitario en las comunidades latinas de Long Branch y Edmonston en Maryland. Tiene una licenciatura en biología de Hood College y una maestría en Biodiversidad, Vida Silvestre, y Salud de los Ecosistemas de la Universidad de Edimburgo.

Alice Sturm

Garden Programs Manager at Nature Forward

She/Her Alice Sturm is the Garden Programs Manager at Nature Forward. She is a licensed landscape architect specializing in ecological restoration, stormwater management, and site design. She has a background in agriculture. She has led/co-led various bilingual landscaping programs and outreach events for Nature Forward. Alice Sturm es gerente de programas de jardinería en Nature Forward. Es una arquitecta paisajista licenciada que se especializa en restauración ecológica, gestión de aguas pluviales, y diseño de sitios. Tiene experiencia en agricultura. Ha dirigido y codirigido varios programas bilingües de paisajismo y eventos de divulgación para Nature Forward.

Renee Grebe

Northern Virginia Conservation Advocate for Nature Forward

She/Her Renee Grebe is the Northern Virginia Conservation Advocate for Nature Forward, leading efforts in Northern Virginia to protect watersheds and to respond to the climate emergency. Renee serves on Fairfax County’s Environmental Quality Advisory Council and is trained as a Master Naturalist. For the past few years, she has collaborated with United Community to connect diverse communities along the Route 1 corridor in Fairfax County with their watershed. Renee Grebe es la defensora de la conservación de Nature Forward para el norte de Virginia; liderando los esfuerzos para proteger las cuencas hidrográficas y responder a la emergencia climática en el norte de Virginia. Renee forma parte del Consejo Asesor de Calidad Ambiental del Condado de Fairfax y está capacitada como Master Naturalist. Durante los últimos años, ha colaborado con United Community para conectar diversas comunidades a lo largo del corredor de la Ruta 1 en el condado de Fairfax con su cuenca.

Gina Ghertner

Lead GreenKids Educator for Nature Forward

She/Ella Gina Ghertner is the Lead GreenKids Educator for Nature Forward. GreenKids is an environmental educational outreach program for public schools where Gina supports their environmental literacy efforts while creating and delivering educational programs. She has worked with schools in Montgomery and Prince George's County, Virginia, and DC. She holds a degree in Forestry from the Agrarian University La Molina of Lima Perú. Gina also works supporting watershed community outreach initiatives from Nature Forward and the Montgomery County Public Schools Outdoor Education Program. Gina Ghertner es la educadora principal de GreenKids para Nature Forward. GreenKids es un programa de extensión educativa ambiental para escuelas públicas donde Gina apoya los esfuerzos de alfabetización ambiental mientras desarrolla e imparte programas educativos. Ha trabajado con escuelas en los condados de Montgomery y Prince George’s, y en Virginia y DC. Es Licenciada en Ciencias Forestales de la Universidad Agraria La Molina de Lima, Perú. Gina también trabaja apoyando las iniciativas de extensión comunitaria sobre cuencas hidrográficas de Nature Forward y el Programa de Educación al Aire Libre de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Montgomery.

Valeria Espinoza

Volunteer Services and Community Partnerships Coordinator, Montgomery Parks

She/Her Valeria Espinoza is an environmental educator and volunteer program manager, connecting people of all backgrounds with nature for over ten years. Born in Bolivia, Valeria acquired a love for nature at a very young age. She completed a B.S. in Environmental Science at the University of Maryland where she began her journey as an educator. Through the years Valeria has served youth from title one schools in Prince George's County, developed inclusive environmental programs, and enhanced partnerships with organizations that strengthen and diversify restoration efforts. Valeria currently manages the Watershed Cleanups Program for Montgomery Parks under the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, where over 5,000 volunteers remove 100,000 pounds of trash from parks annually. For three summers, she has collaborated with Liberty’s Promise to serve as a host for six remarkable summer interns all of whom are either first-generation or recent immigrants. Although working in the environmental field is not easy, Valeria draws inspiration from her Aymaran roots to always give back to our pachamama (mother earth), a tradition she hopes to instill in future generations. Valeria Espinoza es educadora ambiental y gerente de programas de voluntariado, durante más de diez años ha conectando a personas de todos los orígenes con la naturaleza durante más de diez años. Nacida en Bolivia, Valeria adquirió desde muy pequeña el amor por la naturaleza. Completó una B.S. en Ciencias Ambientales en la Universidad de Maryland, donde comenzó su trayectoria como educadora. A lo largo de los años, Valeria ha servido a los jóvenes deen las escuelas en del condado de Prince George, ha desarrollado programas ambientales inclusivos y ha mejorado las asociaciones con organizaciones que fortalecen y diversifican los esfuerzos de restauración. Valeria actualmente administra el Programa de limpieza de cuencas hidrográficas para los parques de Montgomery bajo la Comisión de Planificación y Parques de Maryland y la Capital Nacional de Maryland, donde más de 5,000 voluntarios retirancogen anualmente 100,000 libras de basura de los parques anualmente. Durante tres veranos, ha colaborado con Liberty's Promise para servir como anfitriona de seis notables pasantes de verano, todos ellos inmigrantes recientes o de primera generación. Aunque trabajar pore en el área de medio ambiente no es fácil, Valeria se inspira en sus raíces aymaras parade retribuirle siempre a nuestra pachamama (madre tierra), una tradición que espera inculcarle a las generaciones futuras.

Kasey Yturralde

National Program Specialist, Urban and Community Forestry Program, USDA Forest Service

She/Her Kasey Yturralde is a National Program Specialist with the US Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program in the Washington Office. Her work focuses on program delivery of the UCF Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program, increasing equitable access to trees and green spaces in communities across the county. Kasey worked for eight years in Washington, DC as a municipal urban forester and a forest health and community outreach specialist. She led forest health monitoring efforts to enhance resiliency of the District’s urban forest and managed community outreach and education programming in city parks and schools. Kasey is an ISA Certified Arborist and has a PhD in Forest Science from Northern Arizona University where she studied acoustic behavior in bark beetles. Kasey Yturralde es especialista en programas nacionales del Programa forestal urbano y comunitario del Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. en la Oficina de Washington. Su trabajo se centra en la ejecución del Programa de Subvenciones de la Ley de Reducción de Inflación de la UCF, que aumenta el acceso equitativo a árboles y espacios verdes en comunidades de todo el condado. Kasey trabajó durante ocho años en Washington, DC como ingeniero forestal urbano municipal y especialista en salud forestal y extensión comunitaria. Lideró los esfuerzos de monitoreo de la salud forestal para mejorar la resiliencia del bosque urbano del Distrito y gestionó la programación comunitaria y educativa en parques y escuelas de la ciudad. Kasey es arbolista certificada por la ISA y tiene un doctorado en Ciencias Forestales de la Universidad del Norte de Arizona, donde estudió el comportamiento acústico de los escarabajos de la corteza.

Sean Mann

Director of Montgomery and Prince George’s County Programs

He/Him Sean Mann conducts the Civics and Citizenship program at Wheaton High School and the CE-BELL program at Gaithersburg High School in Montgomery County, MD. He also supervises and trains all Montgomery and Prince George’s County staff. He graduated from Juniata College with a dual major in Physics and Spanish/Hispanic Cultures. During his time at Juniata he studied in Ecuador for a year, learning Spanish and conducting research on renewable energy. After graduating, he worked for Habitat for Humanity in Pittsburgh, then served as a Peace Corps Youth Development Volunteer for two years in the Dominican Republic. Sean Mann dirige el programa de Cívica y Ciudadanía en la escuela secundaria Wheaton y el programa CE-BELL en la escuela secundaria Gaithersburg en el condado de Montgomery, MD. También supervisa y capacita a todo el personal de los condados de Montgomery y Prince George. Se graduó de Juniata College con una doble especialización en Física y en Culturas Españolas/Hispanas. Durante su estancia en Juniata estudió en Ecuador durante un año donde aprendió español y realizó investigaciones sobre energías renovables. Después de graduarse, trabajó para Hábitat para la Humanidad en Pittsburgh y luego sirvió como voluntario de desarrollo juvenil del Peace Corps durante dos años en la República Dominicana.

Anthony Chavez

High School Intern

He/Him Anthony is a current junior at Wheaton High School who participated in Liberty’s Promise’s Opportunities Plus summer internship program. He worked for Montgomery Parks in the summer of 2023 for eight weeks. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends and playing video games. Anthony es un estudiante de tercer año en Wheaton High School que participó en el programa de pasantías de verano Opportunities Plus de Liberty 's Promise. Trabajó para Montgomery Parks en el verano de 2023 durante ocho semanas. En su tiempo libre le gusta salir con amigos y jugar videojuegos.

Jacqueline Romero

Program Officer at Liberty’s Promise

She/Her Jacqueline Romero conducts Civics and Citizenship programs at Falls Church and Justice High Schools in Fairfax County, VA. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a double major in Political Science and Spanish. As a first-generation U.S. citizen who is Salvadorian and Nicaraguan, she hopes to impact and inspire immigrant youth to embrace their roots and culture while also being able to navigate their way through school and different career paths. Jacqueline Romero dirige programas de educación cívica y ciudadanía en las escuelas secundarias de Falls Church y Justice en el condado de Fairfax, VA. Se graduó en la Virginia Commonwealth University con una doble especialización en Ciencias Políticas y Español. Como ciudadana estadounidense de primera generación, siendo salvadoreña y nicaragüense, espera influenciar e inspirar a los jóvenes inmigrantes para que abracen sus raíces y cultura yque, al mismo tiempo, puedan navegar su camino a través de la escuela y sus diferentes trayectorias profesionales.

Rita Peralta

Long Branch (NOVA) Nature Center Naturalist & Outreach Manager

She/Her Rita Peralta considers herself a conservationist and nature lover. Born in La Paz, Bolivia she was imprinted by the majestic snowcapped Andes, and finds she is most at peace near mountains. Her deep love of nature inspired her to make a switch from working in a microbiology lab to her current career path as a naturalist. Rita has been a resident of Northern Virginia since 1987 and currently works as a naturalist and manager at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington. She was previously the Natural Resource Manager at Riverbend Park, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA). In her spare time, she volunteers as an instructor for the Virginia Master Naturalists, tends to her neighborhood park by volunteering as an Invasive Management Area leader for Bruin Park in Herndon and travels near and far to enjoy nature. Rita Peralta se considera una conservacionista y amante de la naturaleza. Nacida en La Paz, Bolivia, quedó marcada por los majestuosos Andes cubiertos de nieve, y encuentra que se siente más en paz cerca de las montañas. Su profundo amor por la naturaleza la inspiró a dejar de trabajar en un laboratorio de microbiología y dedicarse a su carrera actual como naturalista. Rita reside en el norte de Virginia desde 1987 y actualmente trabaja como naturalista y gerente en Long Branch Nature Center en Arlington. Anteriormente fue Gerente de Recursos Naturales en Riverbend Park, que es parte de la Autoridad de Parques del Condado de Fairfax (FCPA). En su tiempo libre, es instructora voluntaria para Virginia Master Naturalists, cuida el parque de su vecindario como voluntaria y líder del Área de Manejo de Invasivas para Bruin Park en Herndon, y viaja cerca y lejos para disfrutar de la naturaleza.

Jose Cordero

Park Naturalist at Mount Rainier Nature Center

He/Him/Él Jose was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 10th, 1997. He lived in Puerto Rico until the age of 14, he then moved to Kissimmee, Florida in 2012. He graduated from the University of Florida in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation with a focus on general ecology. He currently works at Mount Rainier Nature Center as a Park Naturalist. Jose gained an appreciation for nature early on. During his childhood, Jose would explore and learn about the natural environment through his grandparents whenever he would visit their property in the country. He learned about things like harvesting almonds, annatto seeds, avocados, coconuts, and learning of the native wildlife such as anoles. These experiences led him to work with wildlife and the natural environment. His professional career has focused on working alongside the public to raise awareness about ecology. During his tenure at the University of Florida, Jose helped in a study involving Anoles in Puerto Rico under Dr. Miguel Acevedo. Jose has worked in the animal control sector with Critter Control, and in the conservation sector with Maryland DNR’s Fishing and Boating Service within the Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS). José nació en San Juan, Puerto Rico el 10 de abril de 1997. Vivió en Puerto Rico hasta los 14 años, luego se mudó a Kissimmee, Florida en 2012. Se graduó de la Universidad de Florida en mayo del 2020 con una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Ecología y Conservación de la Vida Silvestre con un enfoque en la ecología general. Actualmente trabaja en Mount Rainier Nature Center como naturalista del parque. José adquirió desde temprano a apreciar la naturaleza. Durante su infancia exploraba y aprendía sobre el entorno natural cada vez que visitaba la propiedad de sus abuelos en el campo. Aprendió cosas como cosechar almendras, semillas de achiote, aguacates y cocos; y sobre la vida silvestre nativa como los anolis. Estas experiencias lo llevaron a trabajar con la vida silvestre y la naturaleza. Su carrera profesional se ha centrado en trabajar junto al público y generar conciencia sobre la ecología. Durante su tiempo en la Universidad de Florida, José ayudó en un estudio sobre anolis en Puerto Rico bajo la dirección del Dr. Miguel Acevedo. José ha trabajado en el sector de control animal con Critter Control y en el sector de conservación en el Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS) del Servicio de pesca y navegación del Departamento de Recursos Naturales (DNR) de Maryland .

Serenella Linares

Mount Rainier Nature Center Facility Manager and 2024 Nature Forward Environmental Education Award​

She/Ella Serenella Linares is the Puerto Rican Principal Park Naturalist managing Mount Rainier Nature Center (MRNC). She is dedicated to sparking curiosity about nature and its stewardship through high-quality environmental education experiences. As Facility Manager at MRNC she has organized in-person and online events to bring the community back to the Nature Center after the pandemic. Ms. Linares is also spearheading restoration efforts to increase the natural areas in the property, attract a wider variety of wildlife, create natural areas that better the resident’s sense of wellbeing, and to demonstrate sustainability practices to the local community. Serenella is recognized for making learning fun (for children and adults) and her expertise in mycology (mushroom knowledge). With her program “Ask a Fun-Gal” she established a collaboration between Mount Rainier Nature Center and the Mycological Association of Washington DC to bring the DNA research experiments to the center and open the door for the public to know more about mycology. Serenella is a former Director of Adult Education at Nature Forward and former Co-founding Co-Chair of Naturally Latinos. Through the Naturalist Hour, Natural History Field Studies, and Master Naturalist programs at Nature Forward, Serenella used the virtual world as an introductory door into nature and a catalyst for people to get inspired to learn more. Through her nature walks and master naturalist trainings, Ms. Linares encouraged her participants to be curious about nature and to incorporate different perspectives into their learning process. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Linares developed virtual programs and bilingual videos as educational tools. She previously collaborated with schools to deliver curriculum-based and NGSS aligned environmental education programs, establishing field trip scholarships for title one schools and Spanish speaking children, and teaching nature-themed summer camps. Serenella holds a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Universidad Metropolitana de Puerto Rico, a Master’s degree in atmospheric science from Howard University, and 7 years of training in mycology from University of Maryland. — Serenella Linares es puertorriqueña y la naturalista principal y administradora del Centro Natural Monte Rainier (MRNC). Su dedicación es despertar la curiosidad sobre la naturaleza y su manejo a través de experiencias de educación ambiental de alta calidad. Como Gerente de Instalaciones en MRNC, ha organizado eventos en persona y en línea para que los miembros de la comunidad regresen al Centro después de la pandemia. La Sra. Linares también encabeza los esfuerzos de restauración para aumentar las áreas naturales en la propiedad, atraer una variedad más amplia de vida silvestre, crear áreas naturales que mejoren el bienestar de los residentes, y demostraciones prácticas de sostenibilidad a la comunidad local. Serenella es conocida por sus enseñanzas entretenidas (para niños y adultos) y su experiencia en micología (conocimiento de las setas). Con su programa “Ask a Fun-Gal” estableció una colaboración entre Mount Rainier Nature Center y la Asociación Micológica de Washington DC para llevar los experimentos de investigación de ADN al centro y abrir la puerta para que el público sepa más sobre micología. Serenella es ex directora de educación de adultos en Nature Forward y ex copresidenta cofundadora de Naturally Latinos. A través de los programas Naturalist Hour, Naturalist Field Studies, y Master Naturalist en Nature Forward, Serenella utilizó el mundo virtual como una puerta de introducción a la naturaleza y un catalizador para inspirar a la gente a aprender más sobre la naturaleza. A través de sus caminatas por la naturaleza y capacitaciones para maestras naturalistas, la Sra. Linares incentivó en los participantes la curiosidad por la naturaleza y a incorporar perspectivas diferentes en los en el proceso de aprendizaje. En respuesta a la pandemia de COVID-19, la Sra. Linares desarrolló programas virtuales y videos bilingües como herramientas educativas. Anteriormente colaboró ​​con escuelas para ofrecer programas de educación ambiental basados ​​en el plan de estudios y alineados con NGSS, estableciendo becas de paseos para escuelas de escuelas de bajos recursos (Título I) y niños de habla hispana, y enseñando campamentos de verano basados en lanaturaleza. Serenella tiene una licenciatura en biología de la Universidad Metropolitana de Puerto Rico, una maestría en ciencias atmosféricas de la Universidad Howard y 7 años de capacitación en micología de la Universidad de Maryland.

Alvin Bacilio

Patria y Saloma Panama

Patria y Saloma Panama is a Panamanian Folkloric Dance Group, established in 2013. The group is formed by men and women who love the customs and traditions of Panama. The group showcases and brings light to Panamanian dances and music in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Panama’s traditional folkloric rhythmical beats and movements are a blend of African, Spanish, American Indian, and Caribbean influences, and vary in styles across the different provinces of the country. Panama is a physically small and extraordinarily diverse country. The meaning of Panama is “Abundance of Fish and Butterflies”. It is the country with the highest economic growth in Central America. Panama is an isthmus of great commercial importance, as it is the territory that connects the North American region with the southern part of the continent. Located between Colombia and Costa Rica and has expansive coasts along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Panama is famous for its skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, virgin jungles and for the Panama Canal one of the world's engineering wonders. The Panama Canal is the link between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The Panama Canal locks are a lock system that works on the basic principle of gravity and floatation and lifts ships up to the main elevation of the Panama Canal and down again. Its capital is the famous Panama City, which is the only capital in the world surrounded by a tropical forest. Panama has seven indigenous cultures that still practice their ancestral and artisanal traditions in various regions of the country. Panamanian Folklore is diverse and varies in each region, as is made evident in its dances, music, traditional attire and gastronomy.

Eliza Cava

NLC Co-Chair

She/her/hers Eliza was Director of Conservation at Nature Forward from 2016-2023. During her time at Nature Forward, she served as Co-Chair of Stormwater Partners Network of Montgomery County; Co-Founded and Co-Chaired the Naturally Latinos Conference; led and managed new strategies for engagement and partnership with historically excluded communities including in Long Branch, Edmonston, Ward 8 in DC, and the Route 1 Corridor in Fairfax County; trained hundreds of local residents to advocate on their own environmental priorities; committed the organization to fighting and adapting to climate change; and was a leader in Nature Forward’s transformative work to develop and then be true to its principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. Eliza received a B.A. in Environmental Education from Swarthmore College and a Master of Environmental Science from the Yale School of the Environment (formerly School of Forestry and Environmental Science) and is a Senior Fellow in the Environmental Leadership Program’s Chesapeake Regional Network. Eliza fue Directora de Conservación en Nature Forward de 2016 a 2023. Durante su tiempo en Nature Forward, se desempeñó como copresidenta de la Red de Socios de Aguas Pluviales del Condado de Montgomery; cofundó y copresidió la Conferencia Naturally Latinos; Lideró y gestionó nuevos estrategias para el compromiso y la asociación con comunidades históricamente excluidas, incluidas Long Branch, Edmonston, el Distrito 8 en DC y el Corredor de la Ruta 1 en el condado de Fairfax; capacitó a cientos de residentes locales para que abogaran por sus propias prioridades ambientales; comprometió a la organización a luchar y adaptarse al cambio climático; y fue líder en el trabajo transformador de Nature Forward para desarrollar y luego ser fiel a sus principios de Inclusión, Diversidad, Equidad y Accesibilidad. Eliza recibió una licenciatura en Educación Ambiental de Swarthmore College y una Maestría en Ciencias Ambientales de la Escuela de Medio Ambiente de Yale (anteriormente Escuela de Ciencias Forestales y Ambientales) y es miembro principal de la Red Regional de Chesapeake del Programa de Liderazgo Ambiental.

María Elena Montero

DC Audubon Society Board of Directors

She/Her Maria Elena was raised in Takoma Park, Maryland, where she first fell in love with the outdoors and with birds. She is Afro-Latino of Cuban-Dominican descent and fluent in Spanish, rumbao and bachata (not necessarily in that order). An avid birder, Maria Elena sits on the board of directors for DC Audubon Society and regularly leads birdwalks around the DC metropolitan area. María Elena se crió en Takoma Park, Maryland, donde se enamoró por primera vez del aire libre y de las aves. Es afrolatina de ascendencia cubano-dominicana y habla español, rumbao y bachata con fluidez (no necesariamente en ese orden). María Elena, una ávida observadora de aves, forma parte de la junta directiva de la Sociedad Audubon de DC y lidera regularmente caminatas de aves en el área metropolitana de DC.

Luis E Selva

MD Ornithological Society bird lead

He/His Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, Dr. Selva grew up in Los Angeles California and eventually settled in the East Coast 13 years ago. In 2022, Dr. Selva discovered the joy of birding by his “spark bird”, the Northern Cardinal. Nacido en San Salvador, El Salvador, el Dr. Selva creció en Los Ángeles, California y finalmente se estableció en la costa este hace 13 años. En 2022, el Dr. Selva descubrió el placer de observar aves gracias a gracias al Cardenal del Norte, el ave que le despertó el interés.

Erin Garnaas-Holmes

Climate Program Analyst at DC Department of Energy and Environment’s Urban Sustainability Administration

He/Him/His Erin Garnaas-Holmes is the lead climate adaptation planner with the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment’s Urban Sustainability Administration. He coordinates implementation of Climate Ready DC, the District’s climate adaptation plan, and Keep Cool DC, the District’s extreme heat adaptation strategy. Formally trained in landscape architecture and urban planning, Erin has worked on sustainable, equitable and resilient planning and design projects for over ten years. Before joining DOEE, Erin served as the Ambassador for the Anacostia Watershed’s Urban Waters Federal Partnership, led waterfront planning at the Anacostia Waterfront Trust, and consulted on sustainable development projects with Stantec. Erin Garnaas-Holmes es el planificador principal de adaptación climática de la Administración de Sostenibilidad Urbana del Departamento de Energía y Medio Ambiente del Distrito de Columbia. Coordina la implementación de Climate Ready DC, el plan de adaptación climática del Distrito, y Keep Cool DCque es la estrategia de adaptación al calor extremo del Distrito. Erin cuenta con una formación en arquitectura paisajista y planificación urbana y ha trabajado en proyectos de planificación y diseño sostenibles, equitativos y resilientes durante más de diez años. Antes de de trabajar en el DOEE, Erin se desempeñó como embajador de la Asociación Federal de Aguas Urbanas de la Cuenca del Anacostia, dirigió la planificación costera en la Anacostia Waterfront Trust y fue consultor en proyectos de desarrollo sostenible con Stantec.

Miguel Castro Luna

DC Organizer

He/Him/His Miguel Castro Luna, ROC DC Bilingual Organizer, is originally from Mexico City and has a background in Early Childhood Education. He is currently completing his BA in Elementary Education at the University of the District of Columbia. Miguel has been organizing since he was a high school student and joined the Students Multi-Ethnic Action Research Team [S.M.A.R.T] at Many Languages One Voice. Miguel started to work in restaurants at the age of 17 in different positions from dishwasher and barback to hostess. After a few years, he noticed the injustices that people in the restaurant industry are facing, like workers from back of the house not being able to read their paystubs and experiencing wage theft. He has been organizing with ROC DC since 2019 with restaurant workers and street vendors. Miguel Castro Luna, Organizador Bilingüe de ROC DC, es originario de la Ciudad de México y tiene una trayectoria en Educación Infantil. Actualmente está completando su Licenciatura en Educación Primaria en la Universidad del Distrito de Columbia. Miguel ha sido un organizador desde que era estudiante de secundaria y se unió al Equipo de Investigación Acción Multiétnica de Estudiantes [S.M.A.R.T] del Many Languages ​​​​One Voice. Miguel comenzó a trabajar en restaurantes a los 17 años en diferentes puestos, desde lavaplatos y ayudante de camarero hasta anfitrión. Después de unos años, se dio cuenta de las injusticias que enfrenta la gente en la industria de los restaurantes, como que los trabajadores de la trastienda no pueden leer sus recibos de sueldo y sufren robos salariales. Miguel ha estado organizando a los trabajadores de restaurantes y vendedores ambulantes con ROC DC desde el 2019.

Kacey Wetzel

Vice President, Outreach and Education at Chesapeake Bay Trust

She/Her Kacey Wetzel is the Vice President of Programs focused on the human dimensions of the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s work. Kacey joined the Trust in 2007 and now leads a dynamic team focused on Community Engagement, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice, Network Design, Organizational Capacity Building, and Workforce Development work. Kacey works with funding partners, non-profit organizations, and community leaders to identify and develop projects that improve both community health and environmental well-being. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Kacey graduated from Rollins College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University, and a CPH in Behavioral Science from the University of South Florida. Kacey is passionate about applying social science for systems change and building stewardship through equitable program design. Prior to her work with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, she worked as an environmental scientist with SAV Engineers. Kacey Wetzel es la vicepresidenta de programas enfocados en las dimensiones humanas del trabajo del Chesapeake Bay Trust. Kacey trabaja en el Trust desde el 2007 y ahora lidera un equipo dinámico centrado en el trabajo de participación comunitaria, educación ambiental, justicia ambiental, diseño de redes, desarrollo de capacidades de organizaciones y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral. Kacey trabaja con socios financieros, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y líderes comunitarios para identificar y desarrollar proyectos que mejoren tanto la salud de la comunidad como el bienestar ambiental. Originaria de Baltimore, Maryland, Kacey se graduó de Rollins College con una licenciatura en Estudios Ambientales,tiene una maestría en Ciencias y Políticas Ambientales de la Universidad Johns Hopkins y una certificación en salud pública en Ciencias del Comportamiento de la Universidad del Sur de Florida. A Kacey le apasiona aplicar las ciencias sociales al cambio de los sistemas y mejorar la gestión a través del diseño de programas equitativos. Antes de trabajar con el Chesapeake Bay Trust, Kacey trabajó como científica ambiental en SAV Engineers.

Guarina Paloma Lopez

Visual Artist, Storyteller, and the founder of Native Women Ride

She/Her/Ella Guarina Lopez is a visual artist, storyteller, and the founder of Native Women Ride, advocating for the people and land of Indigenous communities. A member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe of Tucson, Arizona, she's been riding for 25 years mainly as a commuter. She now lives and rides on the ancestral lands of the Piscataway and Anacostian tribes in Washington DC, where she recently completed a 220-mile ride to raise awareness for the US Indian boarding schools that have largely been written out of the history books. Her work on and off the bike is bringing together Native and Indigenous cyclists through telling their stories, breaking stereotypes, and building community. Guarina López es artista visual, narradora de historias y fundadora del Native Women Ride, para defender a las personas y las tierras de las comunidades indígenas. Como miembro de la tribu Pascua Yaqui de Tucson, Arizona, lleva 25 años viajando principalmente en bicicleta. Ahora vive y anda en bicicleta cabalga en las tierras ancestrales de las tribus Piscataway y Anacostia en Washington DC, donde recientemente completó un recorrido de 220 millas para crear conciencia sobre los internados indios estadounidenses que en gran medida han sido borrados de los libros de historia. Su trabajo tanto andando en bicicleta y cuando no lo está haciendo es reunir a ciclistas nativos e indígenas a contar sus historias, romper estereotipos y construir una comunidad.

Raquel Pinto

Certified Forest Therapy Guide

She/Her Raquel Pinto, born in Mexico, is a certified Forest Therapy Guide since 2019. Since then she has worked with several environmental organizations bringing this practice mostly to the Latino community of the DMV. She thinks Forest Therapy is a gift from God because of all the physical and spiritual benefits she has found. As a form of gratitude and reciprocity with nature, Raquel has undertaken several conservation projects. Among them, a program to plant native trees in her community together with the organization Defensores de la Cuenca. She says she feels very proud to walk around the neighborhood and say to her children, do you see that tree? I planted it. Raquel Pinto, nacida en México, es una Guía de Terapia de Bosque certificada el año 2019. Desde entonces ha trabajado con varias organizaciones medioambientales llevando esta práctica mayormente a la comunidad latina del DMV. Ella piensa que la Terapia de Bosque es un regalo de Dios debido a todos los beneficios físicos y espirituales que ha encontrado. Como forma de agradecimiento y reciprocidad con la naturaleza, Raquel ha emprendido varios proyectos de conservación. Entre ellos un programa de plantación de árboles nativos en su comunidad junto con la organización Defensores de la Cuenca. Ella dice sentirse muy orgullosa cuando camina por el vecindario y le dice a sus hijos: ¿Ves ese árbol? Yo lo sembré.

Gabriela Paola Franco Peña

Photographer and Graphic Designer

Gabriela is a photographer, designer, and video producer who has worked with Nature Forward on a wide range of projects, spanning from print and motion graphic design, to photography and video production. Gabriela was designer and illustrator of Taking Nature Black's Belonging, an eBook released in 2022 consisting of photographs and narratives of Black American environmental advocates and nature lovers. For the second installment of the Belonging project, Perteneciendo, slated for completion in 2024, Gabriela is the co-lead photographer. Born and raised in El Salvador, Gabriela moved to the United States at age 19, and worked while earning a fine arts degree from South Texas College, in McAllen, Texas. Currently, Gaby works as the Educational Multimedia Producer for Conservation Nation, a nonprofit that works to diversify the conservation movement by funding and supporting conservationists from underrepresented communities while educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Gabriela es una fotógrafa, diseñadora y productora de videos que ha trabajado con Nature Forward en una amplia gama de proyectos, que van desde el diseño gráfico impreso y en movimiento hasta la fotografía y producción de videos. Gabriela fue diseñadora e ilustradora de Taking Nature Black's Belonging, un libro electrónico publicado en el 2022 que consta de fotografías y narrativas de defensores del medio ambiente y amantes de la naturaleza afroamericanos. Para la segunda entrega del proyecto Belonging, Perteneciendo, cuya finalización está prevista para el 2024, Gabriela es la fotógrafa codirectora. Nacida y criada en El Salvador, Gabriela se mudó a los Estados Unidos a los 19 años y trabajó mientras obtenía su título en bellas artes en South Texas College, en McAllen, Texas. Actualmente, Gaby trabaja como productora multimedia educativa para Conservation Nation, una organización sin fines de lucro que trabaja para diversificar el movimiento conservacionista financiando y apoyando a conservacionistas de comunidades subrepresentadas a la vez que educa e inspira a la próxima generación de líderes.

Ines Alicea

NLC 2024 Interpreter

She/her/hers Ines Alicea is an award-winning magazine writer. Some of her recent articles have appeared in What’s Up Annapolis magazine. When she is not freelance writing, Ines works as a Spanish interpreter for Fairfax County Public Schools and other organizations and companies. She is certified as a Spanish interpreter through the Defense Language Proficiency program. She also is a certified Yoga teacher and practices Reiki healing. Ines lives in Virginia. She is happy to assist with all of your writing and interpretation assignments. Inés Alicea es una escritora premiada de revistas . Algunos de sus artículos recientes han aparecido en la revista What's Up Annapolis. Cuando no escribe por cuenta propia, Inés trabaja como intérprete de español para las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax y para otras organizaciones y empresas. Inés cuenta con una certificación como intérprete de español a través del programa Defense Language Proficiency. También es profesora certificada de Yoga y practica Reiki. Inés vive en Virginia. Inés puede con gusto ayudarles en sus tareas de redacción e interpretación.

Hope Khodaei

Piscataway land Acknowledgment

Hope encompasses her Piscataway heritage, affiliation with the Deer Clan, and an Argentinean woman to preserve the traditions of all Indigenous Peoples and reshape their global perception. In 2020, she was named Native American adult of the year by the Maryland Commission of Indian Affairs. Hope serves on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Indian Tourism Association, which reflects her dedication to promoting Indigenous cultures within the state. As a junior at Georgetown University, Hope is a university fellow with the Racial Justice Institute. She actively contributes to the Indigenous community by starting the dialogue of decolonizing Latino heritage and belonging to their Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Jansikwe Medina-Tayac

Piscataway and Colombian indigenous rights activist

Jansikwe Medina-Tayac (she/her) is a Piscataway and Colombian indigenous rights activist and filmmaker from Takoma Park, Maryland. She is currently a Junior at Pitzer College in Claremont, California double majoring in media studies and Spanish. Jansikwe works in both DC and California to ensure that the needs of Indigenous students and community members are met through the support of adequate resources, space, and opportunity.

Alison Pearce

Deputy Director for Programs

I supervise education and habitat management programs for Nature Forward.

Lydia Lawrence

Director of Conservation at Nature Forward.

Director of Conservation at Nature Forward.

Alex Pellegrini

Naturalist for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission at Patuxent River Park

Alex Pellegrini is a Naturalist for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission at Patuxent River Park in Prince George’s County, MD. In addition to this, he serves as the Farmland Raptor Program Coordinator for the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership. Formerly indoorsy in his youth, he's transformed into an unwavering outdoors enthusiast, immersing himself in the marvels of the natural world. Now seldom behind closed doors, Alex is on a mission to make up for lost time. His fervor for birding and wildlife photography fuels his commitment to inspire and share the beauty of the outdoors with others.

Lisa Alexander

Executive Director at Nature Forward

Executive Director at Nature Forward

Caetano de Campos Lopes

Director of Climate Policy @ The Community Climate Collaborative | Climate Justice

Hailing from Brazil and with years in Mexico and Argentina, Caetano's journey is intertwined with the Latino experience. Serving as Climate Policy Director at the Community Climate Collaborative (C3) and as a Lecturer at UVA's School of Architecture, he also collaborates as an independent climate-policy consultant, co-authoring reports with the ACEEE, The Economist Group, and Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF). As a member of the Latino Climate Council at HAF, his unique perspective is shaped by his life experiences in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the U.S. Caetano advocates for Latinos in sustainability, weaving his experiences for a greener, more equitable future.

Nancy Voit

Board Member at Nature Forward

Board Member at Nature Forward

Andrés Jimenez

Supervisor for Fairfax County’s Mason District

Andrés Jimenez serves as Supervisor for Fairfax County’s Mason District. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Andrés is the first Latino to serve on Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors for Mason District. As the father of two young girls, Andrés is passionate about protecting our climate so future generations can not just survive, but thrive. That passion launched his career in environmental protection, eventually landing him as Green 2.0’s first full-time Executive Director. Andrés is an active member of GreenLatinos and serves on the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, as well as the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Andrés, 42, resides in Mason with his family.

Jeff Chandler

GreenKids Director at Nature Forward

GreenKids Director at Nature Forward

Jacqueline Johnson

Lead Event Planner, LBB Events

I'm starting to learn what perteneciendo means for me...definitely enjoying the journey!

Jamoni Overby

DC Conservation Advocate

DC Conservation Advocate

Allie Chamot

Naturalist Ambassador

Naturalist Ambassador

Liz Guertin

Volunteer Virtual Tech

Volunteer Virtual Tech

Marisela Rumberg

NLC 2024 Interpreter

Marisela Rumberg Interpreter/Translator CARU Language Services Description A certified Spanish-English interpreter and translator who specializes in simultaneous interpretation, Marisela Rumberg was born and raised in Mexico and holds a degree in International Economics. With vast experience in the areas of education, business, environment/conservation, tourism and art, she is also a language coach and interpreter trainer. She interprets daily for Fairfax County Public Schools and works as a freelance interpreter; she may be contacted at [email protected] www.CARULanguageServices.com Interesting fact: Marisela is an international award-winning Fiber Artist in residence at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA, her work is also exhibited at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. Intérprete y traductora Inglés-Español, especializada en Interpretación Simultánea, Marisela Rumberg nació y creció en México y es Licenciada en Relaciones Económicas Internacionales. Con amplia experiencia en las áreas de educación, negocios, medio ambiente, turismo y arte, ella es también coach de lenguaje y entrenadora de intérpretes. Marisela trabaja diariamente como intérprete para las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax y es también intérprete free-lance; puedes contactarla en [email protected] www.CARULanguageServices.com Dato interesante: Marisela es artista textil reconocida a nivel international, su estudio está en el Workhouse Arts Center en Lorton, VA y su trabajo también se exhibe en Torpedo Factory Art Center en Alexandria, VA.

Kristin Cook

Database and Email Assistant - Virtual Tech

Database and Email Assistant - Virtual Tech

Genevieve Wall

Senior Naturalist - Chat tech

Senior Naturalist - Chat tech

Jerry Kickenson

Chat Tech

Chat Tech

Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe

Assistant Editor at Hola Cultura

Assistant Editor at Hola Cultura

Beatriz Engel

Director of Rental Events, Woodend - Chat tech

Director of Rental Events, Woodend - Chat tech

Vincent Robinson

Director of Marketing and Communications at Nature Forward

Director of Marketing and Communications at Nature Forward

Dr. Jessica Hernandez

Author: "Fresh Banana Leaves"

She/Her Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Binnizá & Maya Ch'orti') is an Indigenous scholar, scientist, and community advocate based in the US Pacific Northwest. She has an academic background spanning marine sciences and environmental physics. Through her scientific and community work, she advocates for climate and environmental justice. She is the author of the award-winning book Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science. She is currently working on her second book, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate Displacement & Justice. Forbes has named Hernandez one of the 100 most powerful & influential women in Central America. La Dra. Jessica Hernández (Binnizá y Maya Ch'orti') es una académica, científica y defensora comunitaria indígena radicada en la costa noroccidental del Pacífico de Estados Unidos. Tiene una formación académica que abarca las ciencias marinas y la física ambiental. A través de su trabajo científico y comunitario, aboga por la justicia climática y ambiental. Es autora del libro premiado Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science. Actualmente está trabajando en su segundo libro, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate Displacement & Justice. Forbes nombró a Hernández como una de las 100 mujeres más poderosas e influyentes de Centroamérica.

Maryland Ornithological Society

mdbirds.org Representative

mdbirds.org Representative

Ben Israel

Nature Forward Audiovisual

Nature Forward Audiovisual

Brian Torres

Student at Georgetown University

Brian Torres is currently a junior in college pursuing a degree in Economics and Philosophy at Georgetown University. He is a Salvadoran immigrant who moved to the United States at the age of eight. Ingrained in his identity is a proud connection to his Indigenous heritage. This has influenced his cultural understanding and motivated him to participate in community groups such as the Circle of Indigenous Student Alliance at Georgetown. Outside of academia, he is passionate about photography, fitness, and community advocacy.

Xavi Molina

Student at Georgetown University

Xavi Molina is a third-year undergraduate student at Georgetown University originally from Washington, DC. He is working on an interdisciplinary degree focused on Indigenous Philosophy and Decolonial Studies in Abya Yala. Xavi spends much of his time engaging in both community and labor organizing in the DC area, especially with the recently arrived migrant community. His work is fueled by his experience in a family with mixed racial, class, and national identities. In addition to his work in the community, Xavi dedicates much of his time to dancing traditional baile folklórico mexicano.

Nausheen Iqbal

US Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry National Program Manager

Nausheen Iqbal is a Program Manager in the USDA Forest Service’s State, Private & Tribal Forestry, Cooperative Forestry office in Washington, DC. Her work focuses on supporting national program management of the Urban and Community Forestry Program, which delivers nature-based solutions to create resilient and equitable spaces for urban communities, as well as managing national urban waters coordination for the Forest Service through the Urban Waters Federal Partnership. Nausheen has served as Deputy Director for Forests and Equity at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Prior to the Forest Service, she was a consultant with the World Bank’s Global Water Practice on transboundary waters management, worked on water security issues at the Woodrow Wilson Center, and disaster and flood management at WWF-USA. Nausheen has an MA in Global Environmental Policy from American University as well as a JD from New York University School of Law. Nausheen grew up in Karachi and moved to the United States in high school where she has lived in Chicago, New York, Boston and now Washington DC. Outside of work she loves to travel with her family and hopes to pass on her passion for scuba diving and white water rafting to her young daughter.

Letizia Ramos Pfeifer

IB student at Richard Montgomery High School and 2024 Nature Forward Youth Environmental Champion Award​

She/Ella Letizia Ramos, originally born in Bogota, Colombia, made the journey to the United States at the age of five. Currently, she is a sophomore enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at Richard Montgomery High School. Excelling on the tennis court, Letizia also serves as the Vice President of her school's Dance Club. Her role as an intern at Power reflects her eagerness to learn and contribute to her community. Letizia's unwavering passion lies in conservation and environmental advocacy, emphasizing her dedication to safeguarding our planet's future. Letizia, who goes by she/her pronouns, is a dedicated advocate for the environment. Letizia Ramos, nacida originalmente en Bogotá, Colombia, viajó a Estados Unidos a la edad de cinco años. Actualmente, es estudiante de segundo año matriculada en el programa de Bachillerato Internacional en Richard Montgomery High School. Sobresaliendo como tenista, Letizia también se desempeña como vicepresidenta del club de baile de su escuela. Su papel como pasante en Power refleja su entusiasmo por aprender y contribuir a su comunidad. La pasión inquebrantable de Letizia radica en la conservación y la defensa del medio ambiente, enfatizando su dedicación a salvaguardar el futuro de nuestro planeta. Letizia, que usa el pronombre ella, es una defensora dedicada del medio ambiente.

Melinda Peters

Director of Education

I LOVE talking to people about nature, trees, food and crafts

Chris Landers

Communications Specialist

Journalist and outdoor enthusiast, communications specialist for Baltimore's clean water watchdog group.

Peihan Orestes

Nature Forward Volunteer Coordinator

Nature Forward Volunteer Coordinator