When on the mountain, Jessica was helping visitors with questions and conducting interpretive and educational programs. The position aligned well with Jessica’s passion for re-connecting communities with their innate relationship with nature. She enjoyed the different communities she helped strengthen and welcomed her in. Jessica was a huge support for her region; she created regional toolkits on outreach, conducted volunteer programs, supported with grant proposals and funding opportunities, led bilingual programs, and engaged with the community through various family events on public lands.

For Latino Conservation Week, Jessica organized a Mindfulness on Mt. Evans event designed with the purpose of exploring and engaging our human connection with the Earth in mind. She led a guided walk while engaging in mindful discussion, in preparation for a group storytelling circle at the end of the walk. It was a wonderful event where Jessica, again was able to align her passions while introducing people to nature.

Due to her tremendous contributions, Jessica’s position was extended and she stayed on for another 5 months at the Regional Office. Luckily for HAF, around that same time our Conservation program was growing and our team needed more support. Jessica now serves as a Programs Associate for our Conservation team. One of her biggest priorities and accomplishments this year was to lead our Latino Conservation Week program, which was scheduled for 3 months after her start date. Jessica helped plan and implement a successful program; there were over 130+ LCW events last year! She’s an integral part of our Conservation team and will be managing conservation programs, grants, partnerships, and conservation events.