Earth Grant Blog

Meet Maya Tainatongo! A native Tucsonan and passionate community member, Maya shares their past experiences in the Earth Grant program and how it has strengthened her impactful and collaborative work in conservation and community building.

Meet Samantha and Maria Mata! Sisters and Earth Grant alums, these young leaders share their past experiences in the Earth Grant program and how it has strengthened their impactful work in public health, education, and city planning.

Meet Olya Weekley, a Wildcat alumni and new Earth Grant mentor, working as the Applied Conservation Project Manager at Tucson Audubon.

Meet Melissa Cordero, an Earth Grant mentor, as she tells us about her professional journey and current work at the Sonoran Institute, based in Tucson.

The Earth Grant program is welcoming Jessica Estrada as the new Earth Grant Program Coordinator this month! Jessica will continue the coordination and development of the Earth Grant Program as Leona Davis steps into another position in AIR. Jessica will support the Earth Grant students and mentors as the internships continue to develop this school year.

Hi everyone! My name is Gabriella Parra. I am from Tucson, Arizona, and I will be a community outreach intern this summer at Zion National Park! My mom, my step-dad, and I took the eight and a half hour road trip from Tucson to Zion.

In March, Earth Grant students joined forces with students from two other AIR Education Initiatives programs, Indigenous Correspondents Program and Diana Liverman Scholars, to present on their learning journeys and community-engaged projects.

From attempting to agree on dinner as a family, to leading an unproductive team meeting, trying to make group decisions is a scenario every one of us is challenged with. Collaborating in a way where all parties can actively participate while feeling seen and heard supports a healthy work environment, promotes interdisciplinary solutions, and encourages adaptability.

My name is Matthew Jensen. I’m the River Run Network Intern with Watershed Management Group here in Tucson. Every day, I wake up, I go to class, go to work, and live my life. Every day, I drink lots of water because everyone needs water to live.

Q: What’s better than one program that supports diverse students in developing as environmental professionals?

A: THREE programs that support diverse students in their development as environmental professionals, gathered together on a late fall afternoon in Tucson, having a picnic!