Kevin Soto Figueroa is a biologist focused on conservation strategies and environmental education. As we face new challenges, the development of new solutions is crucial for sustainability not only for the flora and fauna but also for humanity. As a leader, Kevin is passionate about transforming problems into opportunities, collaborating with faculty for the continuation and achievement of goals and the integration of the community to protect and conserve biodiversity.

Lisa is a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she earned a BS in Environmental Science. Her education provided her with a strong scientific base for her to continue her path towards connected communities with the natural world and the environment.

Tony Yang is a Hmong American who is currently pursuing a degree at California State University, Chico. As of spring 2022, he is expected to earn a degree in Recreation Hospitality and Park Management with emphasis in Parks and Natural Resources. Not only that but minors in Biological Sciences and Diversity Studies. Yang hopes to use the skills and knowledge he gained throughout his career such as working alongside California State Parks. With experiences such as these, he hopes to apply them towards his future endeavors. One of his main goals is to continue working alongside agencies with missions that relate to conservation, wildlife and preservation. He hopes to not only ensure the longevity of the environment, but to also educate those along the way. He strives to be an inspiration to not only his peers but to everyone he meets along his journey.

Jacqueline (Jackie) Dias recently completed her Master’s program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focused on the economic and ecosystem service contributions of forested lands participating in federal landowner assistance programs. She has a passion for conservation, land access equity, and science communication. Dias lives out her passions through her volunteer work with Latino Outdoors Western Massachusetts, of which she is the co-founder and ambassador. Through her role with Latino Outdoors, she facilitates dialogues around inclusivity in outdoor recreation and plans outings for the local Latine community.

Alison is excited to be one of the HAF Connected Communities Fellows with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2020, Alison graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science, a focus on Wildlife Conservation and Ecology, and a minor in economics. While studying abroad in Tanzania with the School for Field Studies, Alison discovered a passion for the human dimensions of conservation, and since then has gained experiences in human-wildlife conflict resolution, environmental education, public affairs, outreach, and community engagement. As a Park Ranger intern at the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge for over a year, Alison served as a liaison with the Direct Descendants of the Harris Neck Community and aided in the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, along with other visitor services initiatives. The experience solidified her intent on pursuing a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as they strive to expand the benefits of the refuge system while conserving valuable natural resources.

Alexia graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Forest Resources and Conservation majoring in Natural Resource Conservation with a minor in Wildlife Ecology. During her time, she served as Recruitment and Marketing Director and then President of the UF Lucha Latina Organization, as well as Vice President of the Hispanic Student Association. She is currently pursuing an M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Conservation Science and Policy at George Mason University. Alexia is Panamanian and currently resides in Hampton, Virginia.

I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rangeland Management with Focus on Wildlife Management from Chadron State College. I spent 4 years serving as an Environmental Education Coordinator and love the combination of science and education. I strive to understand and participate in research and am excited to serve on the Prine Ridge Ranger District, Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands where my ecosystems collide, and ample wildlife and habitat management projects occur.

With a B.A. in anthropology and an interest in history, David hopes to contribute to the preservation of artifacts and historical sites.

Jose is currently the Range Resource Assistant on the Gila National Forest at the supervisor’s office located in Silver City, New Mexico. He is a very accomplished individual who recently graduated from Western New Mexico University with a bachelor’s degree in Forest/Wildlife as well as a minor in Geographic Information Systems. Jose has spent quite some time with the agency (USDA Forest Service) starting in 2016 as Forestry Technician and five seasons after that working in fire management on the Silver City Ranger District. Jose is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys working in the great outdoors and plans to make a career with the Forest Service agency in natural resource management.

Isabel Diaz is a recent alumna from Florida State University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in
Environmental Anthropology. She hopes that her position as a resource assistant with the Forest Service will allow her to better understand how to bridge the gap between communities and the world of academia, where much knowledge of the environment is shrouded in language and wording not used in normal, everyday life. Outside of Anthropology and the Environment, she also has a great love of foodways, and learning about the origins of recipes, cooking & baking as a way to travel the world while being right at home.