OEI Participants

Worked outdoors for a number of years while sharing my experiences and passion with everyone. Journeys are not always easy but with a little help from others it can be a little bit more happy.

Hi, I’m C.J. Wilson (He/Him). I’m a writer who, despite a strong curiosity for the outdoors, didn’t get much chance to go outside until after college. Once I did, I found myself having to self-teach just about everything from tent set-up to camp cooking. But, after a four-month journey traveling between U.S. parks and living… Continue Reading C.J. Wilson

Hi! My name’s Maureen Munoz (she/her), I’m 23, and I’m a Filipina-American from Delano, CA. I’m currently an environmental engineer who works primarily on drinking water issues with small public water systems, and I have a passion for environmental justice. Growing up, I was a pretty happy go-lucky child. I’m the daughter of two Filipino… Continue Reading Maureen Tiburcio Munoz

My name is Jovan and I live in Fresno. I love how nature enriches my life and creates a sense of belonging. The outdoors is important to me because it connects everyone and everything together. Some of my passions include: loving my 3 beautiful dogs, visiting the coast, visiting new places I have never been… Continue Reading Jovan Mendez

A man in love with the synchronicity of nature🌲

Chris is a tall, passionate Fresno native that has dedicated his life to increasing food access and urban gardens in the City of Fresno. Chris loves to garden, spend time with his family, care for his rabbits and chickens, and spend time outdoors. He looks forward to getting out of his comfort zone and building… Continue Reading Christopher Aaron De Leon

Elizabeth Castro Maldonado (she/her/ella) is a first generation college graduate and has spent her life admiring the sacredness in the interconnected nature of our mother earth. She is full of playfulness and wisdom, honoring her inner child and ancestors. She lives to be in the present moment to convivir authentically with others, as well as… Continue Reading Elizabeth Castro Maldonado

I was a participant in OEI in Fall 2021 and am excited to join the community again as a Program Assistant! I am a Black Puerto Rican queer woman born and raised in San Francisco and Oakland. I am currently a high school Ethnic Studies and science teacher in Oakland, where I aim to build… Continue Reading Summer Johnson

Hi sunshines! My name is Arely Saraí Lopez (pronouns she/her/ella) and I identify as first-generation, Chapina-American from sunny Southern California (Norwalk, to be exact). My love, respect, appreciation and passion for the environment and the land stems from the deep knowledge and wisdom passed down from my family in Guatemala and my parents. I continued… Continue Reading Arely Lopez

Emma Stephens (she/her) currently works at a middle and high school in an administrative support role and is making the transition to combine her passion for education and the outdoors. She is grateful for her upbringing in the Bay Area and has participated in outdoor recreation activities in various capacities since she was a child.… Continue Reading Emma Stephens