Outdoor Educators Institute Program Coordinator – Central Valley
Based in Yokuts Land, Central California, Eliza Jane Palao (They, she, he | Siya) has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2019. Eliza Jane has dedicated their career to philanthropy, creating safe spaces, and building community. A change maker and social justice warrior in their community, they hope to continue being a positive change in society.
Eliza Jane has an immense love and respect for native land since an early age growing up around the world with their family. In 2020, they obtained their B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Philanthropic and Community-Based Leadership. During this time, they developed a love for the Central Valley mountains and wanted to make environmental change after seeing the outcome from California’s intense fires. They joined the 2019-2020 CCAC (California Climate Action Corps) as a fellow, planting over 300 trees and doing fire restoration by collaborating with national and local environmental organizations.
Following their time with CCAC, they went on to obtain their M.A. in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peace-building from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2023. During their graduate school they participated in the Spring 2023 OEI program. Soon afterwards the opportunity came to be a part of the OEI Team as a Coordinator for the Central Valley.
Outside of the office, Eliza Jane can be found spending time with their enormous family and wonderful friends. You’ll find them rock climbing, enjoying boba, hiking, binge watching shows and movies, and cuddling with their dog Bambi and cat Kairo.
To contact Eliza Jane, send them an email at elizajane@justiceoutside.org.