Jess (she/them) is currently living in Santa Cruz, but she’s originally from Los Angeles County. She studied environmental studies and sociology at UC Santa Cruz and she’s now the Student and Community Programs Manager for an environmental education nonprofit, The Bird School Project. She loves facilitating experiences for youth and adults to build their connection with nature and develop a love for the natural world right in their own neighborhoods. In her free time, Jess enjoys hammocking under a tree, eating fruit, and hanging out with her housemate’s chihuahua. She’s so excited to be a part of the Rising Leaders Fellowship and can’t wait to share all that she will learn.