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I got my BA in Geography from University of Denver where I focused in urban studies and learning GIS for spatial analysis. At MENV I was in the Urban Resilience and Sustainability specialization. I focused mostly on green infrastructure/urban forestry projects as well as active transportation. I led two walks in West Denver for Jean Sanson’s Transportation class to highlight inequitable walking and public transportation infrastructure in Denver.

Where do you work and how would you describe your role?

I’m a freelance contract worker right now! My current clients are Amigos de los Rios and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. For AdlR, I’m helping them make use of their suite of TreePlotter tools by PlanItGeo, and conducting tree canopy analysis to help them prioritize where to focus efforts/resources for tree planting. This includes writing how-to guides for the 5 tools they have for 4 cities they work in and leading workshops with their staff and volunteers to get them started with the tools. Basically trying to enable them to use these powerful mapping and data tracking tools on their own so they can teach communities they work in how to use them too. So far I've worked on documents and analysis for Maywood, CA and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. Next is Altadena, CA.

For USDN, I’m doing data analysis and visualization for their research on heating soil beds and using biochar to extend growing seasons. Unfortunately I can’t say much more than that until they publish their results.

I was also consulting for the City of Boulder last year, after graduation, doing urban tree canopy analysis and integrating TreePlotter Canopy into their urban forestry planning process. This included writing how-to guides and leading workshops for city staff and their Cool Boulder partners. I also did a canopy site analysis for two Boulder Housing Partners properties, creating a tree canopy and demographic fact sheet to justify why those sites were selected for engagement that could lead to tree planting.

I got all of these contracts through networking. I knew folks at PlanItGeo through my time using their tools at the City of Boulder, (which I was connected to through my capstone project at MENV), and PlanItGeo connected me to AdlR, who needed help learning and applying the tools in their work. I was doing a lot of networking in NYC, where I live, trying to break into the public sector doing urban forestry work, but there has been a hiring freeze across city agencies so there haven't been any jobs to apply to. 

I definitely still feel like I'm in the job search process, but sending in applications for other positions in the NY area has been slow and unrewarding. Most of the positions I find are ones I'm not as passionate about as the contract work I'm doing currently. I plan on picking up the networking again soon as my contracts wind down at the end of the summer, but I'm always paying attention to organizations and local agencies to see if they are hiring. 

I wish I had practiced more networking while I was still a student. I’ve gotten a lot of practice since, but it took a long time until I felt comfortable and confident reaching out and meeting with people. I still don't like networking, so I get the resistance, but you just have to dive in head first. 

What is something people may not know about you?

Well a lot of people know I'm an artist and I love to draw trees in urban settings. I share a lot of work on and and I sell prints, stickers, and originals at different parks around the city and I got a table at a  on May 31 in Western Queens. Less people know that I'm really into abstract art as well, as I haven't shared too many of those works. I really like mixed media, using acrylics, oil pastels, water colors, ink, spray paint, and collage. I find pieces of wood from construction sites or dumpsters and just paint or draw without any agenda. It's a nice break from the fineline work I usually do.

What advice would you give to current and/or future MENV students?