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My Journey Has Shaped My Vision
My Journey Has Shaped My Vision
I have spent a career in conservation learning, growing, and adapting my practices and perspectives to a dynamic world facing intersected challenges but also brimming with exciting possibilities. My vision is shaped by my professional work in ecological restoration, nature equity (particularly for children and families), climate adaptation using nature-based solutions, and coalition building.
My experiences living in nature-rich and nature-deprived neighborhoods have also shaped it. I envision a world where nature is seen and treated as a fundamental human right, wildlife is protected, and solutions benefit both communities.
One Health & Planetary Health
The Future of Conservation
One Health & Planetary Health
The Future of Conservation
We need a comprehensive framing and a beacon of hope that can authentically hold space for conservation, environmental justice, equity, Indigenous knowledge and worldviews, public health, and other ways of knowing and being. This is why my evolving vision, planning work, and on-the-ground projects are deeply rooted in One Health and Planetary Health framings. When we harness the power of nature to address human health, biodiversity health, and environmental health simultaneously, we optimize impact, collaboration, funding, and empowerment and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. This is why, throughout my career, I have successfully led many community-based ecological restoration projects while also playing a pivotal role in influencing policy and planning for funding and implementing nature-based solutions.
Leadership Experiences
Leadership Experiences
Practical, collaborative leadership is critical to expanding and catalyzing conservation action and community benefit. I firmly believe in the servant leadership model and view leadership as a solemn responsibility to my partners. I have been in leadership roles for two decades. I have co-designed and delivered 12 conferences on prairies, One Health, urban conservation, and other topics. I have served on the boards of the Coastal Prairie Partnership, North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), Citizen's Environmental Coalition, and as an advisory board member for numerous institutions, including Texas Parks & Wildlife, Hermann Park Conservancy, the City of Houston, and Harris County.
I have also built and co-led many multi-partner coalitions for conservation, environmental education, communications, strategic planning, multi-sectoral collaborations, and more. I am also a sought-after thought partner for conservation leaders, foundations, governmental agencies, and other nonprofits in areas of expertise, including prairie restoration, youth engagement, park equity, communications, climate resilience, and equity/diversity in conservation.
Founder and President/Vice President, Coastal Prairie Partnership, 2009-2020
Chair/Vice Chair of the Board, North American Association for Environmental Education, 2022-Present
Regional Leader, Texas Children in Nature Network
Texas A&M Forestry Service Leadership Institute, Texas A&M University, 2022
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