It’s hard for me to pin point where and when I realized that my connection to the outdoors would propel the decisions I’d make as an adult later in life. As a daughter born to Guatemalan parents, I feel that conservation values, and respect for nature was in the air I breathed and in the food I consumed. In Guatemala, conservation is just a part of the culture. You are one with the land, and you only use what you need. My family carried these values and we took them with us to every state we lived in, from New York to Florida, and Arizona.

In college, I knew I wanted to explore career opportunities that would foster the connection I had with the outdoors. Just after my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to be a field researcher on a project at national parks in Northern California researching invasive plant species, and collecting soil samples. It opened my eyes to the possibility of a career with the National Park Service where I briefly became a Park Ranger, spending all of my days outdoors.

Though today my career has changed, as Coconino County Treasurer and Treasurer for the National Association of Counties, my commitment to the protection of public lands, national parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities lives on. As the bank for every single taxing district, we are able to support a range of services that helps our entire community, from education to fire districts, and water improvement districts as well. Through the Office of the Treasury, we are able to provide funding, and this is especially important for fire districts, so that fire mitigation to prevent devastating forest fires is enacted. This is conservation in action, just in a way that is a little out of the box. Being able to represent my community in this way has been so rewarding, and I love every aspect of it. I feel assured that the work that I do will have long lasting impacts, helping to chart a way forward for future generations.

Part of building better futures is working so that people with diverse life experiences are also in leadership positions. Mentorship is so important to me, especially in the financial field where there aren’t as many Latinos. Our stories and experiences are valuable, and it can be what encourages others to consider a role they may have never envisioned themselves in before. I love reminding people that while my story is amazing, there are thousands of others who were raised in similar circumstances, with a similar upbringing. Being supportive of passions can likewise encourage our community to pursue a role in the public sector. I look forward to the day when Latinos won’t be missing from important conversations in government, or finance.

I really believe that children are our future, and fostering important connections to the outdoors will only help to instill stewardship in a generation who can continue to take action on climate change, and on behalf of our public lands. I have a daughter who will be turning two this year, and the wonder I see in her eyes when she’s in nature is something I feel honored to witness. I can’t wait to continue to build on her outdoor experiences, teaching her about the different ecosystems on this earth, appreciating and valuing the land. I know that relationship is one that will teach humility, kindness and care. For now, she enjoys our hikes where we can be together and process the day. I am so eager to take her to our favorite camping spots, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the best area of the national park. Being able to experience special outdoor places through her eyes makes it feel new again, and for a moment everything is perfect.

Guest Blog: Putting Conservation Values into Practice as Coconino County Treasurer