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Category: Careers Outdoors

Inside Green Careers

por Dr. Xochitl Clare

Graciela Cabello
Dr. Xochitl Clare

Graciela Cabello is a board member for Wilderness Youth Project and Director of Youth and Community Engagement with Los Padres ForestWatch where she runs the Outdoor Connections program. Graciela was born and raised on the Central Coast of California where she currently lives and supports LatinX communities via her work.

As an early career Afro-Latina marine biologist simultaneously entering and mentoring BIPOC individuals in green careers, I find it essential to look to our community leaders on how to ensure green careers are viable options for my community. 

While working with the Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) this Summer, I had the opportunity to reconnect with WYP Board Member, Graciela Cabello, one of our prominent community leaders in Santa Barbara, CA. In this interview, we delved deeper into the complexities of navigating a green career in outdoor access. We also discussed our passions on increasing LatinX community access to outdoor spaces. In this interview, Graciela shares her history with organizing for Latino Conservation Week (LCW) and many pivotal moments along her journey. Read more for our conversation below! 

This is the transcript of segments of a conversation held on August 2, 2023 between Dr. Xochitl Clare and Graciela Cabello. Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity and accuracy.

Interview Transcript:

“Tell me about your current job”

“I wear many hats at [ForestWatch]. My role is constantly changing and I’m constantly doing different things. Aside from our core work of advocating to protect the forest, the one thing that is consistent is that I help connect youth and families to the forest and public lands. What that translates to, is doing outings: like hikes, walks, even rock climbing, you know, a lot of different outdoors things. But that also means I get to use many different mediums to connect people. And so that can be like: doing presentations at schools or hosting webinars. It also means that I get to be really involved in some of the communications, and film that support this movement.”

“It’s LO’s 10 year anniversary celebration and birthday! How did you initially become involved with LO and in bringing Latino Conservation Week (LCW) to your community?”

“It was Latino Conservation Week that led me to where I am right now in the outdoor access space. In the summer of 2014, I was looking for organizations to volunteer for, and I saw a flier for Latino Outdoors’ outing for Latino Conservation Week (LCW) [in the Bay Area]. I reached out to the founder, Jose Gonzalez, and was quickly connected with the work after that.” 

“After volunteering for almost a year during the Latino Outdoors startup phase, the founder offered me a position as the national director (and first official employee). I got to be part of the building of LCW events during the first years. So, when I started doing work in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, it was, just, already part of me. I had been inspired by all the community leaders across the country, and I kept seeing the incredible momentum that goes into [LCW].”

“July became Latino Conservation Conservation Week month for me. And during the COVID-19 shutdown, we were limited in what we could do. So we did presentations, Instagram live sessions, webinars. [When] we were allowed to go back outside, we did a huge camp out for people and that was super amazing. So it just changes every year.”

“Has this work been healing in any way? How so?”

Graciela Cabello: “Absolutely! I just feel so much closer to my ancestors when I do this type of work. I come from a long lineage of people that were really connected to the land. So when I am able to reconnect my community to nature, and to land, it sort of makes me feel closer to my ancestors and then to my own parents. Supporting youth experiences in nature is a really healing thing and it makes me feel really, really, aligned with who I am and where I’m going. So, I mean, I’ve had tons of moments where, you know, like, these healing moments where [I’ve felt] messages of ‘this is where you’re supposed to be’”

“Recently, we hosted a campout where a family from Oaxaca, Mexico joined us. This region of Mexico is known for having one of the highest indigenous populations. Coincidentally some of my family is from Oaxaca, and so, in some ways, I saw my family in them. It was beautiful to see how the grandmother, who was approximately seventy years old, and had just flown in from Mexico the night before, was also able to attend. I was worried that some of the walking on trails and the river bed would be hard for her, but it turns out the opposite was true. Being in that environment was very natural to her. She ended up ahead of the group moving very comfortably because she’s used to that type of environment back home. What made the occasion extra special was that this was the first time she was seeing her daughter and family since before the pandemic. So for them to connect as a family out in the natural world as they would back home, and for me to be able to help provide this bonding experience for them by the river–was a really healing experience. I thought of my own grandmother and all the similarities we share with that family.”

“For those trying to carve their paths in the outdoor non-profit space: What’s it like to serve on a board for a non-profit organization? How can early-career folks support non-profits in this way?”

Graciela Cabello: “Every [non-profit] board is different and [has] different stages. Some of them are in a startup phase or in like a working phase, and some of them are already pretty established. They all have sort of different roles for board members. [As a Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) board member], we meet once a month for about nine months out of the year, we have very specific board duties.”

“I would just encourage you to figure out what’s important to you and your community. What are some of the changes you want to see, and what are some ways you can get involved with nonprofits that interest you before joining their board? [While] volunteering isn’t always an option for [getting involved with] every organization, serving on a board is a different type of “volunteer work”. I really enjoy it because [WYP] aligns with my values and I’m supporting my community in a way that works towards the hope I have for the future – which is envisioning a world where all children have access to nature. And when you’re ready to join a board, familiarizing yourself with some of the main duties of a board can be helpful.”

“Are green jobs viable for BIPOC persons with financial challenges or concerns? Did you have fears about this when you started out? How did you overcome them?”

Graciela Cabello: “I absolutely had fears. I [worked] for a big, like, major corporation for a while and when I switched careers, I had to take a huge pay cut. I realized that a lot of the folks that go into green careers come from a background that has afforded them to work in this space. Many had incredible, [but low-paying or no-pay], internships during the Summer because [they] could afford to do that. Or they could afford to take a low paying job in their first years out of college and then grow into a better paying position. But I feel like there’s a lot of people that can’t do that. [In my past work in business marketing], I had made it into a certain pay range. So when I did not see [that same] pay range for an environmental education job, it was really concerning.”

Graciela Cabello: “Having been in this field for some time now, what I’ve learned is that many folks carve out their own path. Which is not something you see in other sectors. I’m amazed by the number of folks who are self-employed and doing pretty well. So [it’s important to find] a way to monetize your skills and your knowledge so it doesn’t have to come from an organization. You can basically create and build anything and get paid for it as long as you know how to communicate the importance of your idea[s]. Find the right place or funder or organization that’s going to pay you for it. Even if that means like on a contract basis or like, you know, being self-employed in some way.”

“How does your work help you fulfill your goals and dreams?”

Graciela Cabello: “I mean, it’s so many different things. I don’t know that I can summarize it, but I mean, at the core it’s social justice, environmental justice, community building, movement building, and policy all in one. It allows me to give back to my community in a way that feels meaningful to me.”

“You know, I didn’t major in environmental studies. I didn’t set out to have a nature based career. I actually majored in business. When I was a young girl, I knew that I cared about protecting the environment. I just didn’t really know how to explore that interest. I didn’t have any mentors or any guidance into how I could nurture that curiosity. For me, as a kid, when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I didn’t know. I just knew I needed to have a job that provided a living wage and one where I wasn’t burdened by the financial stress I had grown up with. And so business seemed like the thing to do.”

“At some point, I realized after I had a job in media for almost ten years and I had

the privilege of going out and exploring all these really beautiful places, I noticed that oftentimes I was the only person of color in these spaces. I started to ask these questions: ‘Why is this the case, why is there this disparity?’And that’s how I sort of shifted careers into doing outdoor access and being part of the movement for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in the environment.”

“When I got to come back to the Central Coast and work with BIPOC identifying and Latine families in the place that I grew up in, in the forest that I grew up going to— it felt like this full circle moment. It felt like this is where I was meant to be.”

Xochitl Clare is a marine biologist and performing artist dedicated to climate change biology, education, and environmental storytelling. She is a first-generation Latina African American with island heritage (Jamaica and Belize) – where the importance of life at sea is in folktales, music, and food.

Yo Cuento: Then & Now

por Jazzari Taylor

Growing in Advocacy

I often think back to the Summer of 2016, my first outing event with Latino Outdoors. My best friend, Maricela Rosales, encouraged me to join the Los Angeles Volunteer team at Heal the Bay for a beach cleanup at Dockweiler State Beach. To be completely honest, I was hesitant because I always felt a tug and pull with my racial identity, being multi-racial and a non-fluent Spanish speaker. I was reassured that the growing Latino Outdoors organization, which I would be joining at the cleanup, welcomed all diasporas, multicultural experiences, dialects, and backgrounds. I remember not knowing what to expect, having jitters, and holding my breath. Taking the leap as a participant and volunteer would bring me back full circle as a Policy Advocate with Latino Outdoors.

As a child, I was fortunate to visit local city parks and join free or affordable recreational opportunities. My parents would send me to income-based YMCA summer camps, take day trips to our state beaches, and visit local public lands. Before I joined my first outing event with Latino Outdoors, I faced many challenges in my 20s and was trying to find my purpose in life. What were my passions? What fueled the very core of my soul?

Having the courage to show up to the beach clean-up in 2016 was the best decision I made, not only for my community but also for my health. That summer day, I was welcomed by a handful of volunteers and partners from Latino Outdoors. This left a lasting impression on my outlook on stewarding lands and promoting more accessible outdoor spaces. A growing number of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) organizations and individuals showed up and took up space, helping to change the narrative that we have always loved and cared for the outdoors. This set a precedence for a larger network of collaborative partnerships for championing a more equitable outdoors.

I have seen first-hand the transformative power of comunidades, healing my inner child through the intentional and expressive opportunities Latino Outdoors has offered. In 2018, I co-led my first hike at Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center, in the newly proposed San Gabriel National Monument expansion. The most amazing part was being able to bring along my mother to share the experience. I co-led outings with many supportive colleagues across Southern California, which broadened my understanding of conservation, and our role in advocating for representation and equitable access to our public lands.

A huge plus has been being able to share these experiences with my familia. There were many firsts, from SnowShoeing in the Los Padres National Forest with Latino Outdoors and encouraging mi primo to step out of our comfort zones together to building my knowledge and skills with the California State Park’s FamCamp Certification campout event. Latino Outdoors also introduced me to an internship with the National Park Service for youth programming at underfunded YMCAs in the Los Angeles County area. All of these opportunities inspired me to further my education and personal skills. I leveraged my past experiences to encourage myself and others to share our stories and extend our networking opportunities. I continued to work for local city parks and recreation departments and, nearly a decade later, completed my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Riverside. I was motivated to “do more” and bring our community voices to the forefront. Then the pandemic hit.

During the pandemic, virtual Lotería games, iNaturalist courses, and book clubs offered a safe space for venting, healing, and learning. Latino Outdoors continued to be more than just an organization, but mi gente, time and time again. During a time of social justice and public health concerns, speaking up and leading by example on how to Recreate Responsibly took a united front. I remember a specific moment when I was inspired to do more after watching a virtual lecture by José González, founder of Latino Outdoors. I emailed him asking something along the lines of, “How do I continue to be involved and influence policy? How can I advocate for our communities in the outdoors? What more can I do?” José González replied, “You are doing enough. Trust the process”.

I continued to identify mentors and like-minded leaders within Latino Outdoors and partner organizations like The National Audubon Society, Nature For All, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), along with my local city parks and recreation departments. It all helped me continue to highlight my passions, for community and the outdoors, while further honing my skills. During the 2020 pandemic, alongside a progressive slate of leaders, I challenged myself to run, and successfully win, as an Assembly District Representative. During the following two years, I worked alongside communities while pursuing and completing a Master’s in Public Administration, with a specialization in Leadership Development from National University. My capstone project thesis focused on park equity and the ethical responsibility of Administrators for equitable outdoor access. I leveraged the Parks Needs Assessment and countless amounts of research that supports the claim that relationship building with communities and increased funding through ethical public policies can help create a more equitable outdoors, thus increasing health, welfare, safety, and access for all.

In these past two years, I continued to learn how to authentically engage with community members. I collaborated with both local and state representatives to truly hear the concerns of the people through workshops, listening sessions, city council meetings, and on-the-ground conversations. Sometimes, the on-the-ground conversations were during a mask-mandated food distribution, COVID-19 testing site, outdoor outing, or a hike. Throughout that period, Latino Outdoors was at the center of outdoor resources for engagement and learning opportunities where a supportive LatinX community continues to grow, from volunteers and colleagues to an extension of my own familia. Latino Outdoors has grown from a staff of four with just under one hundred volunteers to now, eleven national staff and over 250 volunteers in 32 and growing regions across the nation. This year, we’re celebrating ten años of Latino Outdoors!

Who would have thought that showing up as a participant in 2016 would lead to being a part of the national staff in November of 2022? In these past ten months, I have had the opportunity to advocate alongside amazing community members and experts. Latino Outdoors founder José González was also one of the founding members of the California Parks Now Coalition, and now I have the opportunity to join as a Chair on behalf of Latino Outdoors. As members of the coalition, we have advocated at the state capitol in Sacramento for outdoors equity, CA 30×30, the Outdoors For All strategic plan, and various bills. The California Parks Now Coalition comprises over 30 organizations and individuals who bring their own experiences, stories, and expertise to protect and expand access to public parks, oceans, and spaces.

As I continue to develop my own skills as a policy expert, I listen, learn, and support campaigns and Indigenous voices through various coalitions that focus on public lands and national monument designations. In April of 2023, I joined the America the Beautiful Coalition in Washington, D.C., on behalf of Latino Outdoors, working alongside over 100 individuals from organizations across the nation like GreenLatinos, Hispanic Access Foundation, Brown Girl Surf, CalWild, The Wilderness Society, and Sierra Club. We joined working groups to meet with legislative offices to amplify two priorities. One is the 30×30 Federal initiative of preserving at least 30 percent of U.S. lands and freshwater and 30 percent of U.S. ocean areas by 2030. The other is Justice40, which supports that 40% of the federal investments should support underfunded and traditionally marginalized groups. This calls for the federal government to acknowledge that communities of color and frontline communities have had little to no resources in the past. There are strategic plans for new funding to support equitable access, conservation, and investments to protect natural areas with cultural and historic significance.

One of the major takeaways from the federal legislative office meetings was the need for more diverse voices in office and throughout all levels of government. Representation matters when it comes to public administrators making sound decisions that reflect the voices of the people, but this also means that we, the People, have a responsibility to share our stories and remain involved in the processes. I recognize the huge inequities in being able to consistently show up to meetings or spaces when many people’s priorities are to make their basic needs met. This further emphasizes the importance of organizations like Latino Outdoors, which are on the frontline, supporting their participants and volunteers with resources and free or affordable programming opportunities. Our voice matters. Your voice matters and has the power to influence policy.


I am thankful to have a seat at many other tables because of the hard work and dedication of leaders ahead of me, the Latino Outdoors team, and community members across the nation.  Making room for more seats and diverse voices takes the heart of many and the movement of us all. I am thankful for the opportunity to have joined Latino Outdoors in 2016 and the many opportunities to learn more about myself, be able to connect with all of our comunidades, and protect the outdoors. Together, we can make a difference, and it can start with just a beach cleanup. So, my question to you is, will you join Latino Outdoors on our next outdoor adventure?

Crecemos Outdoors: Meet Mindy Silva

Recently, we had the chance to get to know Mindy Silva, Director of Special Projects at Camber Outdoors. We learned about her work as a Latina in the DEI space and her connections to nature, faith, and family.

“Learning to take risks was an important part of my personal growth and development.”

Can you tell us some about your personal journey, from growing up to where you are now?

As I reflect back on my childhood journey, I can now appreciate the uniqueness of my experiences compared to my peers and family members. My parents were very intentional about my siblings and I experiencing the outdoors. We frequented Yosemite National Park and Lake Havasu. My father is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and he believed it was important for us to learn outdoor and survival skills. Many of which he shared with us during our family adventures. During these adventures, we were stretched to try new things and take risks. I can now see that learning to take risks was an important part of my personal growth and development. Being outdoors allowed me to step out of my comfort zone of my suburban community and adapt to changing environments – valuable skills that allowed me to build my confidence and take new risks as I grew up. I can recall that some of my family members did not share these experiences. Often fearful of breaking the routine of work and school, they stayed indoors most of the time. Some family members were not even allowed to play in their front yards. In hindsight, I am sure that coming home and sharing about our bear encounters at our cabin in Yosemite did not help reduce any of their fears!

Considering your journey, can you share with us a story about your personal connection to the outdoors, or even a lack of a connection?

When I am outdoors, it is as if time is suspended, the chaos around me is silenced and I feel a strong connection to God – my creator. I experience a true sense of calm and appreciation for the beauty around me. Being outdoors also allows me to recenter and reconnect with my family. There is truly nothing like it!

One of my most treasured memories is when my husband and I decided to hit the road with our children for a three-week road trip adventure across nine states (Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and our own home state of California). Traveling with our children really brought our vacation to life! Seeing everything through their eyes was absolutely magical. They were truly experiencing the beauty in the world for the first time. At each destination, our children stopped to collect their favorite rocks or seashells, they smelled all the beautiful flowers as they passed them by, they dared us to race to the top of each hiking trail, and they made us laugh uncontrollably. Oh, and who can resist a game of tag once you hear the words “you’re it!” In the best possible way, they made us feel like kids again.

Watching our children bond, laugh, and play together made the entire experience worth it. Equally as rewarding was the uninterrupted, quality time we spent together. On our road trip, there were often long stretches where wireless service was limited. The uninterrupted time together created greater opportunities for sharing, singing, laughing, and making memories that would last a lifetime. 

“When I returned home, I felt a stirring inside me to be a positive force for change.“

How did this road trip experience play into your larger journey as a Latina in the workforce and inform your work in the JEDI space?

This road trip was life-changing in so many ways. During our road trip, one of the things that stood out most was that there were not many families who “looked like us.” In several towns, community members were not shy to point out the obvious, that we were visitors. When I returned home, I felt a stirring inside me to be a positive force for change.

I am personally driven by my passion and purpose to support organizations in building their capacity to effectively create equitable systemic change in the communities across the United States. This is what led me to Camber and what informs my work as a Latina in the DEI space. 

Can you share with us your work with Camber Outdoors? A lot of people get worn out by the conversation about JEDI, not because they don’t believe or know first-hand the need to create a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive world, but because they don’t see brands, organizations, or agencies taking any action, beyond words. What is unique about Camber and its Partners?

At Camber, I lead cross-functional initiatives that contribute to measured impact in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion in the active outdoor industry. One of those initiatives is the Camber Survey System, which is easily one of the most rewarding contributions I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. The Camber Survey System is a best-in-class survey developed in partnership with the Claremont Evaluation Center – leaders in research design and methodology.

Our goal at Camber is to establish the Camber Survey System as a gold standard of workplace DEI measurement and progress across committed Partners in the Outdoor Recreation Economy. Camber Partners have a unique opportunity to accelerate workplace change as they gain strategic insights and actionable data to learn from, take action on, and make change! Year two of the Camber Survey System has yielded incredible results and measurable forward progress from our Partners. Camber Partners is stepping up to the challenge to move beyond promises to make real progress. As we equip our partners with actionable data, we see incredible strides from a workplace perspective around equitable systems and inclusive culture and leadership practices.  

“On a larger scale, I am hopeful that the Camber Survey System will become a north star for organizations committed to workplace DEI measurement and progress for the outdoor industry and beyond.” 

Can you tell us what a day at Camber Outdoors looks like for Mindy Silva? You spoke very passionately about the role you play at Camber. Why does this work matter to you?

My favorite part about my day-to-day work at Camber is working alongside the entire Camber team and industry peers who share a cohesive vision for systems change. As part of a team that embodies Workplace DEI, I have been able to show up as my authentic self and bring the best of my creativity to the workplace. This feeling of belonging and celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion continues to drive my passion for supporting other organizations in building their capacity to effectively create diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces across the outdoor industry.

Working for Camber has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I remain inspired by the thoughtfulness Camber continues to display at all levels of leadership. I am looking forward to what the future holds and remain grateful at heart for the incredible workplace culture that has been created.

How does Camber make outdoors workplaces more inclusive, equitable, diverse, and accessible? 

Camber has built scalable workplace DEI resources and programming where all Camber Partners and their employees have access to the rich suite of Camber resources and supports, including mentoring programs, the Building Blocks of DEI, Voices from the Future of Work, the Camber Survey System and much more! All Camber resources are available via our online platform and are accessible to persons at all levels of leadership.

Camber has also instituted a new approach of a more guided experience for our Partners to help them navigate the suite of resources needed to achieve their organization-specific goals. Supporting our partners with a data-driven approach to systemic change is a top priority of Camber. Measured change across Inclusive Culture and Leadership Practices, Equitable Supportive Systems and Diverse Talent Pipeline ensure that our partners are focused on change at all levels of leadership across the outdoor industry.

Many BIPOC communities experience several barriers to accessing the backcountry and the “boardroom”. Can you share any insight into why this might be and explain some of these barriers?

There are many excellent groups (like Latino Outdoors!) working on outdoors access and can speak to those barriers. Camber’s work is focused on systems change in workplaces. From this viewpoint, expanding the networks of BIPOC communities is a key driver to expanding opportunities. Camber’s systems approach of first readying workplaces and then building a diverse talent pipeline will help create these expanded opportunities for employers and potential employees. We are excited about the upcoming initiative to support our partners in this next phase of Camber programs and offerings.

What are the issues you see come up repeatedly in your work in terms of JEDI?

One of the issues that I see come up repeatedly is the opportunity that exists to bring in diverse talent via the remote work environment. Previously, many workplaces felt restricted by their geographic locations. Now that remote work has become the norm, and many workplaces are embracing the opportunities to attract underrepresented talent from across the United States. Camber has intentionally remained a 100% remote workplace for this very reason – to access outstanding talent where they are. It has been incredible to work with a breadth of talented colleagues from across the US. 

For many people, DEI initiatives feel performative. What would you say to someone who feels this way?

I would say to them, “remain hopeful.” Camber Partners is stepping up to the challenge to move beyond promises to make real progress. As we equip our partners with actionable data, we see incredible strides from a workplace perspective around equitable systems and inclusive culture and leadership practices.  

Changing the culture of a company, of an industry, or a structure takes time, resources, and data. That being said, what does impact look like for you in this work? What does success look like?

Measurable impact is crucial to the work ahead. Camber’s approach to workplace DEI is systems change, which means that success looks like having strong systems, practices, and processes in place to create workplaces that truly value people of all views, cultures, and backgrounds. On a larger scale, I am hopeful that the Camber Survey System will become a north star for organizations committed to workplace DEI measurement and progress for the outdoor industry and beyond.  

When we spoke, you had mentioned that Camber Outdoors has an upcoming leadership institute report. Can you share with us some highlights or surprising findings?

Yes! Camber is excited to release the Leadership Institute Launchpad. The Launchpad consists of a series of micro-learnings to support participation in systems change by employees at all levels of leadership, including the individual contributor and middle management. 

“I would tell other Latino/Latina people who are in the early stages of their careers to be their authentic selves, to step out of their comfort zones, to pave new paths, and to take risks.”

Considering your journey, your heritage, your background, and your ongoing work advancing justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, what advice would you offer to early-career Latinx people of all ages?

As I consider this incredible journey, my heritage, my background, my faith, and my ongoing work in advancing DEI, I would tell other Latino/Latina people who are in the early stages of their careers to be their authentic selves, to step out of their comfort zones, to pave new paths, and to take risks. Personally, my first lens of how I view the world and the people in it is “love.” Love of self and love for those around me – as measured by a true appreciation and celebration of people from all views, cultures, and backgrounds. 

And finally, where can we find the new Camber Outdoors report?

The Four-part Camber Survey System, which includes both cohort and customized insights, is currently being delivered to our Partners who participated in the survey. Soon we’ll be sharing out some of the top-level insights via social media – stay tuned!

Learn more about Camber and their ongoing work at camberoutdoors.org