Latino Conservation Week 2023

"As a Latina, I strive to be a leader in conservation for all women who look like me to see that they too can accomplish their wildest dreams; as the incredible women of the GLT Association in Brazil did for me. I plan to use the tools gained from the GFP to establish a wildlife sanctuary for endangered species in South Africa, to give back to nature for all the wonders it has blessed me with."

Contino is earning a Master's of Arts in biology from Miami through Project Dragonfly‘s Global Field Program while working as a Veterinary Assistant at Long Island Bird and Exotics Veterinary Clinic in Great Neck, New York.

"As a Mexican American woman in the science field, I strive to break the misconceptions about who can engage in conservation. Anyone can participate in the conservation field regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, etc. I am all about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and want future generations to see people like me and know that if they so desire, there is a place for them in science. On my recent Earth Expedition, we were guided by the Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF), our partner and host in India. We explored the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, and learned how local communities manage the sacred groves. These sacred groves hold biological, social, and spiritual benefits and numerous opportunities for environmental stewardship. I am truly grateful for my experience thanks to AERF, Shafkat and Kevin, my classmates, and the people of Maharashtra."

Coronado is earning a Master's of Arts in biology from Miami through Project Dragonfly‘s Global Field Program while working as a Community Engagement Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Being a Project Dragonfly student has allowed me to become the leader I didn't know I had within me. I started the Houston chapter of Latino Outdoors with three other volunteers in September 2022, and it has given me the opportunity to lead and organize free outdoor events for my community. Being on the Brazil EE last summer was deeply inspiring as I saw a great example of what community inclusion looks like and the impact it can create."

Hernandez of Houston, Texas, is earning a Master's of Arts in biology from Miami through Project Dragonfly‘s Global Field Program.

"As a Latina conservationist employed by one of the Coastal Salish Tribes in Washington, I am responsible for safeguarding their inherent sovereignty and tribal treaty rights by employing effective wildlife management practices. Through research initiatives, I monitor populations of revered tribal game species and facilitate beaver translocations to the uplands of the Cascade Mountain Range. Translocation aims to enhance hydrological conditions and foster biodiversity within their ceded territory."

Lees is earning a Master's of Arts in biology from Miami through Project Dragonfly‘s Global Field Program while working as a Wildlife Technician Coordinator at The Tulalip Tribes in Tulalip, Washington.

"My grandmother is one of my greatest inspirations - she immigrated to the United States from Cuba and worked every single day to build a better life for her children, and therefore her grandchildren. She is one of the smartest women I know, yet she did not have the opportunity for any form of post-secondary education; she did however build a better future through her incredible work ethic - something I like to believe she has passed down to me, along with the importance of seizing any and all opportunities for education when they arise."

Levinson is earning a Master's of Arts in Teacing in the biological sciences from Miami through Project Dragonfly‘s Global Field Program while working as a Standardized Patient at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

"I always struggle with my identity as someone who is both a 2nd generation immigrant but also multiracial - Latina and white. I am proud of my Chilean roots and have also have felt out of place in many of the spaces I've been in - not white enough but also not Latina enough - especially in STEM. Through years of grappling these internalized beliefs, I've observed a need for diversity and true representation in STEM for solutions and leadership within our communities. For this reason, a huge piece of my Master's research is creating meaningful pathways for BIPOC youth into STEM fields, policy work, and marine research through partnerships with the community. My research is specifically focused on cetacean conservation and solutions for ocean justice for coastal communities."

Pirner is earning a Master's of Arts in biology from Miami through Project Dragonfly‘s Global Field Program while working as a TK Teacher & STEM Lead at Korematsu Discovery Academy in Oakland, California.

"I am the Adult Programs Coordinator at Butterfly Pavilion, and I have worked in conservation for five years. Nature wasn't always a welcoming place for me, so I am passionate about creating inclusive environments where diverse audiences can learn about and connect with the natural world. I currently create innovative programming to teach the public about invertebrate populations. I also serve on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) committee at Butterfly Pavilion, where I work to ensure that our organization is a welcoming space for all. I believe that everyone has a right to enjoy nature, and I am committed to using my skills and experience to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive. I want to be a role model for young people who are interested in conservation and don't come from a background traditionally associated with this field."

Schulz is earning a Master's of Arts in biology from Miami through Project Dragonfly‘s Advanced Inquiry Program while working as a Adult Programs Coordinator at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado.

"Growing up, I wanted to work with wildlife, but didn't often see someone that looked like me in conservation media. Due to being biracial, I felt I couldn’t represent the Latino/a/x community; however, I've had the privilege of being able to work with youth in the San Diego community, share my experiences with them, and teach them that everyone has a place in the outdoors, regardless of cultural background or preferences (LGBTQIA+)."

Wallace is earning a Master's of Arts in biology from Miami through Project Dragonfly‘s Global Field Program while working as a Youth Programs Coordinator at Outdoor Outreach in Chula Vista, California.