Vanessa Yung (she/her) is an East Bay native who graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration. Vanessa currently works in youth recreation and loves how it offers her the chance to connect with youth, build a community, and provide youth guidance and opportunities to express themselves through … Read more
Shea Opilla (he/him/his) is excited to have the opportunity to join the 2022 Outdoor Educators Institute (OEI) cohort in the South Bay to further his experience both in outdoor adventures and in advocacy. Shea is a student of Kinesiology at San Jose State University, and he has a passion for any activity that can get … Read more
Michelle Le (she/her) is a Vietnamese American and Bay Area native. Elle is a first-generation graduate and received her B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has spent the past few years of her professional career devoted to addressing environmental issues through community-focused research and educational outreach. So far, her … Read more
Mahal Leia Bilaoen (she/they) is excited to be a part of the Fall 2022 Outdoor Educators Institute South Bay cohort! Mahal is currently studying to become an Environmental Studies major and can’t wait to use her knowledge to help others. She is passionate about finding connections between people and nature and everything in between. In … Read more
A scientist by training, Jessica Li (she/her/hers) currently works at the intersection of biotech and education, fostering enthusiasm for innovation among students and scientists. Jessica is tremendously appreciative of the opportunities and exposure she received as a young student scientist herself and is dedicated to paying them forward to improve the accessibility of science education. … Read more
Harmony Lee (she/her) is Korean and Okinawan, and is from Oxnard, CA (occupied Chumash land)! Harmony studied biology at Cal and currently works as a lab technician at a clinic in San Francisco (occupied Ohlone land). In her free time, she likes to crochet, listen to music, ride her bike, roller skate, and spend time … Read more
Dennis Lu (he/they) likes rocks, climbing of all sorts, and nature in general. He is the biggest mosquito magnet he’s met, so hopefully, you’ll be safe from bugs near him.
Aisha Williams (she/her) is 23 years old and identifies as a Black, Filipina American and queer. Aisha recently graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Environmental Studies and Preparation for Teaching. She was able to network a bunch and find unique opportunities that benefited her growth in this capitalist society for the … Read more
Ailee ( like Smiley “i-lee”) Arias (they/them/theirs) is an Aquarius on the cusp of Pisces, and a fem Latine 23-year-old from LA but currently lives in Watsonville. Ailee is a recent graduate of UC Santa Cruz, where they studied botany and environmental studies! After 5 years of frolicking in the forests, classes, and working at … Read more
Erika (she/they) was born and raised in the Bay Area but also had the opportunity to live all over Northern California, Southern Spain, and the Basque Country. Erika graduated with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies: Global Cultural at Cal Poly Humboldt and is currently enrolled at the University of San Francisco pursuing an MA in … Read more