2024 LHIP Report : simplebooklet.com

Executive Summary .......................................................... 3Acknowledgments ............................................................ 4LHIP Mission and Objectives ........................................ 5LHIP Priorities ........................................................................ 6Cultivating Diversity .......................................................... 7Program Partner ................................................................. 82024 Program Support and Sustainability ........... 9Full Circle: Former Intern Turned Mentor ............10Former Interns Hired into the NPS Workplace . 11Intern Data Over the Years (2015 - 2024) ..............12Our Team ...............................................................................132024 Intern Demographics..........................................14Internship Host Sites .......................................................172024 Intern Positions ...................................................... 18Intern Achievements ......................................................19DHA-RA Intern Highlights ............................................21Career and Leadership Workshop ........................... 24PLC Intern Poster Presentations ............................... 25DHA-RA Intern Oral Presentations .......................... 26LHIP Speakers .....................................................................27LHIP Monderators .............................................................28Interns and Supervisor Awards ................................. 29Intern Testimonials ..........................................................31Site Visits ...............................................................................32LHIP Social Media .............................................................34Popular Social Media Posts .........................................35Publication Media Highlights .....................................36Words From Our Interns ..............................................38Words From Mentors / Supervisors .........................39American History Through Intern Art ...................40Appendix I: Intern Proﬁles ...........................................44About World Migratory Bird Day .............................. 55Table of ContentsThe 2024 LHIP cohort pose for a photo in front of the Department of the Interior with past and present National Park Service Directors.National Park Service (NPS)Jamie Crispin Youth Programs Manager jamie_crispin@nps.gov | 202-513-7157Ernestine M. White National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator and NPS LHIP POC ernestine_white@nps.gov | 202-513-7157Environment for the Americas (EFTA)LHIP@environmentamericas.org Learn more at environmentamericas.org

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The Latino Heritage Internship Program proudly marks its 12th year in 2024. Since its inception in 2015, when Environment for the Americas recruited its ﬁrst cohort of 20 participants, the program has consistently provided a unique platform for early-career Latino students and graduates to explore opportunities with the National Park Service. Over the years, the program has continued to foster a space where participants can gain valuable experience, build connections, and develop skills that position them for future careers in conservation, public service, and beyond.As the program has matured, so have the opportunities available to participants. Increasingly, interns are being offered extensions that allow them to stay at parks for longer periods, providing deeper hands-on experience. Some positions also offer insight into the internal operations of the National Park Service. By working alongside park planners, interns gain ﬁrsthand knowledge of the decision-making processes and contribute to the development of key documents that will shape future park activities. This expanded scope of opportunities not only enhances the interns’ professional growth but also deepens their understanding of conservation and public service.In 2024, Environment for the Americas supported 32 interns placed at 30 national parks, ranging from Biscayne in Florida to Klondike Gold Rush in Washington. By October, these interns will have collectively contributed over 15,000 hours of work across various ﬁelds, including education, research, communications, planning, and more. Their efforts have had a meaningful impact on the parks and the communities they serve, while providing invaluable professional experience for the interns themselves.We are deeply grateful for the support provided by the National Park Service to this valuable program. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the dedication of Jamie Crispin, Youth Programs Manager; Ernestine White, National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator; and Lucy Hurlbut, Outreach and Digital Communications Specialist. Their contributions are truly invaluable.This program would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of the dedicated team at Environment for the Americas. Our LHIP Internship Managers and Leads, Graphic Designer, Operations Manager, Communications Manager and Assistant, as well as our Bookkeepers, all play an essential role in ensuring the smooth operation of the program. Together, their collective efforts make this initiative a success year after year. It truly takes a village! Sincerely, Susan Bonﬁeld Executive DirectorExecutive Summary146,487 hours of service367 interns 34 HIRED by NPS3LHIP Summary 2015-2024

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4A successful year can only be achieved by a hardworking team. Environment for the Americas would like to thank all the individuals who supported the recruitment, hiring, and mentoring of the 2024 cohort. Thank you for your dedication!NPS UNITS HOSTING LHIP INTERNSHIPArlington House, The Robert E. Lee MemorialBiscayne National Park, FLBlackstone River Valley National Historical Park, RIBlackwell School National Historic Site, TXBoston National Historical Park, MA Continental Divide Research Learning Center Rocky Mountain National Park, COCuyahoga Valley National Park, OHDeath Valley National Park/Division of Maintenance/ Project Management Branch, CADelaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PAEfﬁgy Mounds National Monument, IAEverglades National Park, FLFirst Ladies National Historic Site, OHFirst State National Historical Park, DEFort Raleigh National Historic Site, NCHistoric American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS), National Park Service, Washington DCIntermountain Region Planning and Environmental Compliance, COIsland in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, UTJuan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, CAKeweenaw National Historical Park, MIKlondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Seattle, WALincoln Boyhood National Memorial, INLowell National Historical Park, MA Midwest Regional Ofﬁce/Planning and Compliance/Planning, NENational Capital Region/Lands and Planning Planning, Washington DC Salem Maritime National Historic Site & Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, MASan Francisco Bay Area Network Inventory and Monitoring Program - Point Reyes, CATonto National Monument, AZValley Forge National Historical Park, PAZion National Park, UT RECRUITING PARTNERSYork CollegeTexas A&M University*Ball State UniversityUniversity of Texas, San Antonio*Florida Atlantic University*California State University, Bakersﬁeld*IE University*Cal Poly, HumboldtUniversity of California, Berkely+Miami UniversityUniversity of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras*University of Texas, San Antonio*Ball State UniversityTexas A&M University*Scripps College+San Francisco State University* +University of Arizona*University of Nebraska, OmahaHoward University**Florida State UniversityFlorida International University*Drexel University+Kenyon CollegeUniversity of Colorado, BoulderTulane UniversityWorcester Polytechnic InstituteTemple University+Agnes Scott CollegeUniversity of Central Florida*California State University - San Bernardino*Northern Illinois UniversityUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County+Acknowledgments* Hispanic-Serving Institutions** Historically Black College+ Asian American and Native American Paciﬁc Islander Serving Institutions The 2024 LHIP group cartoon, illustrated by Puerto Rican Artist, Ara Nibar

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The Latino Heritage Internship Program reaches out and connects with Latino college students from diverse backgrounds that have little or no access to their national parks, to invite them to serve in challenging educational, job-training, career exploration, and developmental opportunities through internships with the National Park Service. Program participants develop valuable career skills that will open doors to exciting career opportunities with the NPS.The goals and objectives of the LHIP program are to engage and support motivated undergraduate and graduate students (18-30 years old), as well as military veterans (18-35 years old), by providing opportunities to work with NPS staff on cultural and natural resources projects. By doing so, the program helps increase awareness of our national parks and historic sites, promote their accessibility, and encourage active involvement from the Latino community in their preservation. This aligns with the vision and priority of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the NPS, by fostering relationships with conservation organizations that advocate for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.Program Objectives5Beneﬁts and Opportunities:• Introduces Latino youth to employment opportunities in the NPS, focusing on cultural and natural resource stewardship, science, research, interpretation, and community outreach.• Develops internship projects that are vital to achieving the NPS goals and objectives at local units.• Creates relationships and connections between mentors and protégés.• Collaborates with Latino-owned conservation organizations to expand NPS outreach in Latino communities across the nation and build lasting relationships.• Establishes a pathway for talented Latino interns to transition into long-term career positions within the NPS.LHIP Mission Statement

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Equity and Environmental Justice In the United States, the effects of the various crisis are felt differently by different groups in our society. Communities of color, low-income families, as well as rural and Indigenous communities, have endured an unfair burden of air pollution, water pollution, and toxic sites for far too long In our commitment to accountability, the U.S. Department of Interior will actively involve diverse stakeholders nationwide, while prioritizing formal consultation with Tribes to honor the U.S. government’s trust responsibilities.Connecting Underrepresented Communities to the World of Conservation We are committed to connecting people with public lands and empowering them to participate in important stewardship activities. Whether it’s developing educational programs, preserving historical objects, or studying the resources that pollinators need to survive, our participants make a signiﬁcant impact. Our interns dedicate thousands of hours to caring for our valuable natural and cultural resources in national parks. In doing so, they not only raise awareness within their own communities but also strengthen the connection between communities and national parks. Together with other youth and adults, our interns extend their stewardship efforts beyond park boundaries. They also contribute to improving access to national parks by offering visitor services and creating informative materials about park access and resources.6LHIP works to broaden awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within the National Park Service. Program participants have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals in a variety of roles such as historians, scientists, and conservation experts. Our overarching goal is to help create pathways for talented Latino students and professionals to pursue fulﬁlling careers within the NPS and other public land agencies.LHIP Priorities

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Latinos, the fastest growing segment of the US population, make up 51% of the total population growth according to the 2020 Census. With 62.1 million people, they are the second largest group and represent 26% of those under 18. This data highlights the need for the Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP), which aims to address the underrepresentation of Latinos in national parks and the workforce. LHIP, established in 2014, is part of a broader strategy by the National Park Service (NPS) to recruit and develop diverse talent. By collaborating with conservation partners, LHIP enables the NPS to invest in cost-effective strategies to attract motivated young professionals and veterans. The program’s goals include raising awareness of national parks, their accessibility, and the importance of Latino community involvement in preservation efforts. LHIP aligns with the vision and priorities of the US Department of the Interior and strengthens the NPS’s relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship of public lands. Statement of Purpose: Cultivating Diversity7 Jannella Perez Torres identiﬁes her location at Efﬁgy Mounds National Monument.

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NPS Youth Engagement and Development ProgramsThe NPS Youth Programs Division shapes the future of the National Park System. We offer a wide range of engaging and developmental activities for young people, both in and around national parks. Our programs also extend to NPS support ofﬁces, local communities, and partnerships with other organizations. From exciting projects to immersive programs, we empower and inspire youth aged 30 and under (including military veterans up to 35 years old) to connect with nature and contribute to the preservation of our parks.Youth Programs offer a wide range of opportunities for U.S. citizens and legal residents, including employment, education, recreation, and volunteer service. Environment for the Americas (EFTA)EFTA is a nonproﬁt organization dedicated to bridging the gap between underrepresented individuals and conservation through research, education, and outreach. Our mission is to protect and preserve quality public lands and wildlife habitat for the generations to come.One of our key initiatives is providing opportunities for youth to engage in science and natural resource careers. By empowering young minds, we are ensuring the longevity of our natural environment. We are also passionate about increasing participation in environmental education and promoting outdoor recreation among all demographics.For over a decade, our internship programs, including LHIP, have reduced barriers to participation in conservation efforts. Through these programs, we have been able to cultivate a diverse and talented workforce that is committed to preserving our natural resources.The National Park Service is committed to safeguarding the natural and cultural resources that make up our National Park System. NPS is dedicated to providing future generations with the opportunity to appreciate and be inspired by these incredible assets. Collaborating with partners, NPS works to extend the beneﬁts of conserving our natural and cultural heritage and promoting outdoor recreation to all corners of the country and beyond.8Program Partner: The National Park Service Mission

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In 2024, the National Park Service Youth Programs Division supported ten 20-week internships and twenty-two 11-week internships. This funding not only covers the stipends for the interns but also provides essential gear and supplies, including ﬁeld shirts, name tags, and business cards. Additionally, interns have access to valuable services such as a clinical psychologist and other support resources. Further assistance provided by parks includes internship extensions, housing support, and opportunities for travel, enabling interns to gain broader work experiences and deepen their professional development.Program Support $645,000Intermountain Region Housing $5,500Historic American Buildings Survey Travel $4,414Paciﬁc West Region Planning Extension $55,000Lassen Volcano Extension $9,636Southeast Regional Ofﬁce Travel $1,700Zion National Park Extension $27,289Route 66 Extension $34,360National Capital Region Housing $11,902GRAND TOTAL $794,8012024 Program Support and Sustainability9Andres Ridley reading to local kids at the public library.

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“As a mentor, I was grateful for the opportunity to share some wisdom, hope, and guidance with interns getting started at a National Park site. Having completed my internship just a year prior, I was able to listen to my mentees and support them as they went through their internships in a way I would have appreciated for myself. I was inspired by my mentees’ creativity, commitment to their projects, and their growth in their roles. I gained insight once again into the great potential the NPS can achieve through the engagement of underrepresented people and those with non-traditional backgrounds in interpretation, history, and conservation. Even when the interns were in the ﬁeld and we were not in communication, I was hopeful that they felt supported by having a mentor championing them from afar and just a call away.”Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail(Left to right: Estrella Sainburg, Kimberly Twardochleb, Kate Latimore, Elizabeth Morales)in a stream with the scoop nets. What were the highlights of mentoring an LHIP intern?Elizabeth’s eagerness to learn and her can-do attitude were an inspiration to me on a daily basis! Her commitment and dedication to learning about the National Trail System and trail planning helped make the internship a smooth process. In addition to many insightful and challenging conversations about the Anza Trail, we enjoyed wonderful visits to diverse trails and landscapes across the Anza Trail, from the Livermore Sycamore Grove to the streets of San Francisco. We had a successful trip to Riverside County, where we met with partners along trail segments and dedicated a newly certiﬁed trail. Our site visits were always a team effort, and Elizabeth’s preparedness for meetings and conversations signiﬁcantly impacted the work.What did you learn from being a mentor?I learned that an internship is truly a career exploration opportunity, and as mentors, we are facilitators and gateways for that experience. I also learned that onboarding tasks and projects can take longer than expected, and as a mentor, I can improve my timeline and deadline expectations.Do you have recommendations for interns seeking a position with the NPS? I encourage interns to stay in communication with their mentors and the contacts they made through their role. I also advise them to make note of and keep track of the speciﬁc tasks they engaged in, the processes and policies they learned, and the experiences they had. These lessons are important to carry forward and can be easy to forget..What are your long-term goals with the NPS?I aim to continue enhancing the public’s equitable experiences in National Parks and equitable access to the Park Service and National Trail System. I am committed to making recreation and outdoor enjoyment a reality for communities traditionally underserved by the Park Service. I aspire to work in leadership roles that make a positive impact on public relations and improve organizational transparency and accountability, both internally and externally, such as Director of Staff and Operations or Director of Public and Congressional Affairs.Full Circle: Former Intern Turned Mentor10FORMER LHIP INTERN:: Estrella Sainburg, NPS Outdoor Recreation Planner2024 INTERN: Elizabeth Morales, Trail Planning Intern

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LHIP Former Interns Hired into Federal Service Name Position State Hire Term Genome Rodriguez Raya NPS Biological Science Technician CA Permanent NPS Diversity Internship Program Coordinator CO Permanent Rocky Mountain National Park Biological Science Technian WY Seasonal Grand Tetons National Park Michaelle Machuca Seasonal Acheologist, USFS NA Seasonal Natian Mathis Southeast Archological Center FL Seasonal Public Programs Coordinator NY Permanent National Audobon Socient Ruby Gonzalez USFS Sequoia National Forest CA Seasonal Sheila Lucero Garcia Bacili Whiskeytown National Recreational Area CA Seasonal Alvin Romero Rivera Park Guide at San Francisco Martime NHP CA Permanent USFW Digital Media Rangersm VA Permanent USFW Service HQ, Falls Church Christina Martinez Guzman Interpretive Ranger at Golden Gate NRS CA Permanent Edgar Hernandez Rios Beneﬁts Authorizer as Social Security Adminisration IL Permanent Gibran N Lule-Hurtado Community Planner at River, Trails and Conservation TX Permanent Jonathan Ignacio Tejeda Nebraska Game and Parks NE Permanent Melisa (Mely) Bohlman Udall Foundsation’s Parks AZ Permanent Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Specialist DC Permanent USFS Washington Ofﬁce Fort Raleigh National Historic Site NC Seasonal Interpretive Park Ranger Denver Service Center / Southwest Border Resource Protection Program Park Ranger CA Permanent Lassen Volcanic National Park Minute Man National Historical Park Outdoor Recreation Planner CA Permanent Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail Homestead National Historical Park NE Museum Technician TX Seasonal Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Shenandoah National Park VA Spanish Education Technician - Zion National Park UT Seasonal Paciﬁc West Planning and Environmental CO Permanent Compliance Ofﬁce - Denver Service Center Mario Cardoza First State National Historical Park, NPS Park Ranger DE PermanentLuis Alverto AvalosAshleyann Perez RiveraPaola HinojosaEstrella SainburgKristian EnbyskMaria Delgado GomezDiana SarmientoIsabel GonzalesTangy Eleni WisemanRoxana Aracelis SaraviaMaria Alejandra Munoz Otalvaro11Permanent:15 Seasonal:8

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2024 Intern DemographicsPARTICIPANT Q&A: Q: Have you learned something you didn’t know before?A: 100% YES! I’ve learned a lot more about how the National Park Service functions, opportunities within the park, and interesting information about the two sites where I am interning. —VALERIA CABALLEROQ: What has been most interesting to you?A: That small parks are awesome, and also the bureaucracy of certain park sites and their connections to other park sites in the area. —KAREN FUENTESA: The work environment. This small park has a lot of work cut out for them, but they remain positive, encourage one another, and support each other where needed. I love seeing the operations of this team come to fruition. —JESSIE SOLISS NEUTRAL GOOD VERY GOODRate the level of new information/skills learned since beginning the internship. 13.33% 33.3% 53.34%16

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DHA-RACalifornia • Death Valley National ParkFlorida• Everglades National Park Massachusetts • Salem Maritime National Historic Site & Saugus Iron Works National Historic SiteNebraska• Midwest Regional Ofﬁce/Planning and Compliance/ Planning PLCArizona • Tonto National MonumentCalifornia• Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail• San Francisco Bay Area Network Inventory and Monitoring Program Point ReyesColorado Conservation Fellow Direct Hire Authority (DHA-RA)• Intermountain Region Planning and Environmental Compliance• Rocky Mountain National Park Continental Divide Research Learning CenterWashington, DC • National Capital Region/ Lands and Planning• Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS)Delaware • First State National Historical ParkIndiana • Lincoln Boyhood National MemorialIowa • Efﬁgy Mounds National MonumentMassachusetts • Boston National Historical Park• Lowell National Historical ParkMichigan • Keweenaw National Historical ParkNorth Carolina • Fort Raleigh National Historic SiteOhio • Cuyahoga Valley National Park• First Ladies National Historic SitePennsylvania • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area• Valley Forge National Historical ParkRhode Island • Blackstone River Valley National Historical ParkTexas • Blackwell School National Historic SiteVirginia • Arlington House The Robert E. Lee MemorialUtah • Zion National Park• Island in the Sky District Canyonlands National ParkWashington • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical ParkInternship Host Sites17

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2024 Intern Positions Name Site State Intern Position Valeria Caballero Salem Maritime National Historic Site MA Community Outreach and & Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site Interpretation Internship (DHA) Fiorella Fernandez Biscayne National Park/ Natural Resource Management/ FL Natural Resource Fish and Wildlife Inventory & Monitoring Program Intern (DHA) Mia Pizzi Everglades National Park FL Cultural History Education Intern (DHA) Carmen Artiles Midwest Regional Ofﬁce/Planning and Compliance/Planning NE Park Planning Fellow (DHA) Kai Guevarra Death Valley National Park/Division of Maintenance/ CA Interdisciplinary Community Project Management Branch Planner (DHA) Alexandra Silio National Capital Region / Lands and Planning DC Park Planning Fellow Jose Zavala Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial VA Visitor Service, Cultural Resources and Land Management Intern Lidia Grande-Ruiz Boston National Historical Park/Education, Youth, and Volunteer MA Visual Information Intern Engagement/Youth Employment and Development Jessie Solis First State National Historical Park DE Community Outreach Coordinator Andres Ridley Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area PA Interpretation Intern Interpretation, Education, and Partnerships Division Spanish Language Isaac Knott Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the DC Summer Architect Intern(s)/ Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS) Historic Preservation Technician Kevin Ponce Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the DC Summer Architect Intern(s) Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS) Historic Preservation Technician Laura Rodriguez Lowell National Historical Park MA Community Engagement Intern Jadicee Medel Valley Forge National Historical Park PA Natural Resource Mgmt. Intern Caroline Gracia Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park RI Community Ambassador and Educator Jesús González-Javariz Fort Raleigh National Historic Site NC Interpretive Writer Ethan Bravo Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial IN Education and Interpretation Intern Jaegar Loran Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial IN Education and Interpretation Intern Claire Molina Cuyahoga Valley National Park OH Science Communication & Natural Resource Mgmt. Assistant Milsy Westendorff Keweenaw National Historical Park MI Archives Intern Amelia Proweller First Ladies National Historic Site OH Community Building Intern Rafael Santos Efﬁgy Mounds National Monument IA Library Technician Intern Jannella Perez -Torres Efﬁgy Mounds National Monument IA Outreach Assistant Intern Savannah Balderas Blackwell School National Historic Site TX Visual Information Specialist Diana Quintero-Bisono Intermountain Region Planning and Environmental Compliance CO Park Planning Fellow Gabriella Parra Zion National Park UT Education and Outreach Intern Nair Perez-Torres Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park UT Canyonlands National Park Interpretation Intern Valeria Hernandez Continental Divide Research Learning Center CO Science Communication Rocky Mountain National Park (Digital Media) Assistant Pablo Perez Tonto National Monument AZ Digital Media Technician Karen Fuentes Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Seattle WA Outreach/Public Affairs Elizabeth Morales Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail CA Trail Planning InternAlexander Sandoval San Francisco Bay Area Network Inventory CA Summer Fisheries Intern and Monitoring Program, Point Reyes18

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INTERN: Gabriella ParraPRIDE AT ZION NATIONAL PARKReturning from the 2023 cohort, Gabriella Parra is making waves in 2024! As the education and interpretation intern, Gabriella hosted two events at Zion National Park celebrating Pride Month. These events focused on creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone was free to be themselves while learning about the intersectionality of LGBTQ rights and the NPS.SCAN to read Gabriella’s blogINTERNS:Kevin Ponce AND Isaac KnottSTORIES THROUGH PICTURESAt the start of their internship, Kevin Ponce and Isaac Knott traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to help document the oldest public housing building in the city. Information gathered from this project will be compiled into an ofﬁcial report by the Historic American Building Survey and later submitted to the Library of Congress.Intern AchievementsSCAN to read Isaac’s blogSCAN to read Kevin’s blog19

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Valeria CaballeroSalem Maritime and Saugus Iron WorksValeria Caballero served as the LHIP intern at Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Saugus Iron Works. These sites are dedicated to telling the story of the development of early colonial port towns, the importance of global trade, and the ﬁrst successful ironworks in the newly established United States.As the Community Outreach and Interpretation intern, Valeria’s main project was to create, lead, and plan materials for strategic community outreach and community-oriented events. This focus reﬂected the park’s interest in making deeper connections with the Latino community of Essex County, Massachusetts. This event provided the opportunity to create Spanish-language programming that would be of interest to both communities the park has already worked with and new communities the park would like to reach. Collaborating with fellow EFTA intern Shane Cremmen, they hosted an accessible and bilingual event with resources in Braille, English, and Spanish.Valeria conducted digital outreach, creating ﬂyers and posters, as well as a mini Junior Ranger booklet for the ecosystem scavenger hunt held at the event. She also developed bilingual programs that highlighted the park’s history in both English and Spanish. As Essex County’s Latino population continues to grow, this type of programming aims to create lasting partnerships with surrounding communities, fostering an environment of inclusivity in both parks.DHA-RA Intern HighlightsSCAN to review Valeria’s presentationKai GuevaraDeath Valley National Park (CA)As an Interdisciplinary Community Planner, Kai Guevara spent his summer learning technical skills in what may be the hottest place on the planet. As the LHIP intern at Death Valley National Park, Kai was tasked with learning about the precious resources found in this national park and the delicate balance between humans and the extreme heat.As temperatures soared, Kai learned about some of the obstacles that park employees face due to the limited energy resources available in the park. His project tasks included reviewing electrical and utility contracts to understand and determine a solution for an alternative energy supply. Working closely with NPS site supervisors, Kai created and proposed a solution involving photovoltaic panels and heat-tolerant battery systems to combat blackouts caused by intense heat and the single power unit found in this remote park.SCAN to review Kai’s presentationORAL PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS BELOW LEFT: Problem: Energy is in high demand at Death Valley National Park. Battling not only extreme heat , but understanding aging power systems was integral to Kai’s summer experience.BELOW RIGHT: Project Goals: Understanding the need to update the power grid in the park, Kai created a plan to upgrade the system in a sustainable manner.BOTTOM CENTER: How to Achieve Project Goals: The development of a plan that involved shade structures would not only provide space for solar panels, but also would not disturbed natural area and provided shade for employees of the park.21

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Mia PizziEverglades National ParkSouth Florida is home to Everglades National Park, which protects over 20% of the original Everglades in Florida. The park is the largest tropical wilderness east of the Mississippi River in the United States. Unlike other national parks, the Everglades is known for its subtropical environment’s unique biological features and natural conditions, which remain nearly untouched by humankind. However, it is also an area highly susceptible to climate change, primarily due to hydrological developments that have disrupted water ﬂow, leading to severe ecological consequences.The Hole-in-the-Donut Restoration Project is a pioneering effort for the National Park Service and the state of Florida. Utilizing mitigation funds from permitted development projects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the park has led the way in eradicating invasive species and restoring wetland habitats. Mia’s primary objective for her project was to create a booklet to supplement an educational program designed to teach high school students about the signiﬁcant changes occurring in South Florida. The purpose of this booklet was to use her knowledge and abilities to educate students who visit the Everglades about its historical and cultural dimensions. The project outcomes included the creation of lesson plans that adhere to the FL CPALMS standards and the Hole-in-the-Donut Restoration Field Guide.DHA-RA Intern HighlightsSCAN to review Mia’s presentationCarmen ArtillesMidwest Regional Ofﬁce/ Planning and Compliance/Planning (NE)The National Park Service is divided into different regions, each with its own unique characteristics, history, and native wildlife. The Midwest region includes parks in Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, to name a few. Given the rich cultural resources in this part of the country, careful planning is essential to tell the complete story and allow visitors of all ages to engage and learn.Our Park Planning Fellow, Carmen Artiles, spent her summer learning about the demands of park planning with the Midwest Regional Ofﬁce. With the Midwest region being home to various natural resources, many of her projects involved planning services provided to parks, including plan identiﬁcation and development. Special resource studies and reconnaissance surveys were also conducted to understand what each area offered. Site visits were critical in understanding how planning translates into action.A major park found in Southern Florida, Mia provided the audience a brief description of the natural wonders found in the Everglades National Park.ORAL PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS SCAN to review Carman’s presentation“I recently participated in analyzing as recon survey and partaking in a public meeting as part of the Special Resource Study for a new possible site within the National Park Service System.It really blew my mind and taught me a lot about the “outside” world and how the work I do directly translates into people’s lives.The public meeting was eye-opening. I didn’t speak much but I did pay attention. It changed my view on the mission, the work I do, and added more value and fulﬁllment to my role in the National Park Service.”- Carmen Artilles22

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Deb HaalandSecretaryDepartment of the InteriorBrenda MalloryChair of the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ)White HouseCharles F. “Chuck” Sams IIIDirectorNational Park ServiceGlenn HookLead RecruiterNational Park ServiceJeremee Tate JTRecruiting and Outreach SpecialistWhite HouseTrevino HendersonRecruiterNational Park ServiceTandy BollingHR SpecialistNational Park ServiceDavid VelaFormer Deputy/ Acting DirectorNational Park ServiceFran P. Mainella16th NPS DirectorNational Park ServiceP. Daniel SmithFormer Deputy/ Acting DirectorNational Park ServiceRobert G. Stanton15th DirectorNational Park ServiceCrystal GailesHR SpecialistNational Park ServiceAlex RomeroSuperintendent of Fire Island National SeashoreNational Park ServiceMatt MontañoChief Information OfﬁcerNational Park ServiceNaomi TorresSuperintendent Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic TrailNational Park ServiceRaquel MontezDeputy Superintendent Shenandoah National ParkNational Park ServiceYasmeen Shaheen-McConnellSenior Advisor American Climate CorpsAmeriCorpsSandy ScottSenior Advisor, Ofﬁce of Strategic PartnershipsAmeriCorpsJamie CrispinYouth Programs ManagerNational Park ServiceRita MossAssociate Director, Workforce & InclusionNational Park ServiceTracy L BaetzChief CuratorDepartment of the Interior MuseumCandice PriceSODAS LifeKelly KimRecruitment SpecialistDepartment of InteriorRaisa “Ray” BarreraProgram Manager for the National Capital RegionStudent Conservation AssociationLashauntya MooreCorps DirectorFriends of Anacostia ParkLHIP Speakers27

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LHIP ModeratorsDr. Lisa CollinsEvaluatorEducation Through EngagementProgramEvaluatorNicole SegniniDigital Content Producer (former LHIP)The Wilderness SocietyChloe Q. LeavertonSpecial AssistantU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceEduardo ChaidezActing Supervisory Park RangerInterpretation, NPSDeanna HaydenHistorically Black Colleges and Universities National Park Service Partnerships & Philanthropic StewardshipAlexia YauConnected Communities Advanced FellowU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceSophia GrandeDigital Content Specialist, ModeratorNational Park FoundationGeorge McDonaldSenior Advisor-Youth Programs, Ofﬁce of the Assistant Secretary, Policy, Management and BudgetU.S. Department of the InteriorLHIP Interns engage in the question and answer portion of a presentation hosted during the D.C. Career and Leadership Workshop.28Dr. Ryan ValdezSenior Director of Conservation ScienceNational Parks Conservation AssociationKeynote SpeakerL. Stephen VelasquezCuratorNational Museum of American History

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Standout Digital Communication RELEVANCE TO AUDIENCE Effective digital communication content that resonates with the intended audience. Shares their interests, experiences, and impacts.VALUE-SHARING/ADDING CONVERSATIONS Outstanding social media communication. Shares meaningful stories in social media posts, articles, and blogs.CLEAR PURPOSE AND INTEREST Develops interesting and purposeful digital communication resources.OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION Exceeding program digital communication projects/ blogs goals.Four interns were recognized for their exceptional efforts!Their work went above and beyond the tasks deﬁned in their position descriptions.Intern AwardsOutstanding Performance COMPASSION Those who show empathy and kindness towards colleagues, clients, or community members.COOPERATIVENESS Interns who collaborate well with others and contribute positively to team dynamics.LEADERSHIP Individuals who take initiative, inspire others, and exhibit leadership qualities.INITIATIVE Interns who proactively seek opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute beyond their assigned tasks.PROFESSIONALISM Those who maintain a high level of professionalism in their behavior, communication, and work ethics.COMMUNICATION SKILLS Interns who effectively convey ideas, actively listen, and engage with others.UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY NEEDS Recognizing interns who demonstrate awareness of community challenges and actively work towards addressing them.ABILITY TO GET THE JOB DONE Those who consistently meet or exceed expectations and deliver results.INNOVATION Those who use creativity to solve a problem or address a need.Janella Perez TorresEfﬁgy Mounds National Monument Jaegar LoranLincoln Boyhood National MemorialOUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE Amelia ProwelleFirst Ladies National Historic Site Caroline GraciaBlackstone River Valley National Historical ParkSTANDOUT DIGITAL COMMINICATIONSTANDOUT DIGITAL COMMINICATION29

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Outstanding Mentor/Supervisor CREATING A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT• Establishes, cultivates, and sustains a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.• Understands the importance of work-life balance and values employees’ personal lives.• Treats everyone with dignity, respect, and integrity.SUPPORTING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING• Acknowledges exemplary performance.• Encourages innovation and actively seeks input from interns/employees.• Promotes teamwork while also prioritizing individual well-being.DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP QUALITIES• Motivates peers and team members.• Sends a consistent message of respect, compassion, and trustworthiness.SPECIFIC ACTIONS AND BEHAVIORS• Going above and beyond the call of duty to engage and develop interns.• Practicing principles that contribute to team success.Two mentors/supervisors were recognized for going above and beyond for the LHIP interns!Mentor/Supervisor AwardsAndrew CarlMIDWEST REGION PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE OFFICEAndrew DonovanSALEM MARITIM NATIONAL HISTORIC SITEOUTSTANDING MENTOR/SUPERVISOR OUTSTANDING MENTOR/SUPERVISORLidia Grande-Ruiz (left) and her site supervisor in front of a historic vessel at Boston National Historic Park.30

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Intern Testimonials“My ﬁrst few weeks have been spent in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the United States. How fortunate I am to have been chosen to intern on this beautiful land caught between the bluffs for the entire summer. Efﬁgy Mounds National Monument is a hidden gem.”- Jannella Perez Torres“I’m happy to continue working at Fort Raleigh as an Interpretive Writer, but I also enjoy giving out programs and helping create social media posts because it gives me a break from my research and allows me to interact with people and engage them with what we have to offer in the park.-Jesús González-Javariz“My involvement with parks previously has been just as a visitor, so seeing behind the scenes of how the parks operate has been really interesting. I am also amazed by how many educational resources the parks have on-site and am fascinated by the extent of museum artifacts in storage at these two sites!”-Valeria Caballero“The previous month was spent analyzing laser scan data and original drawings from the construction of the courts to create a comparative set of drawings of a typical two-story unit located at 603 Colorado St., San Antonio. This is where the hand-drawn details from the previous post also come into the work as each one had to be identiﬁed and aligned with the laser scan data. The hand-drawn ﬁeld notes ensure that ﬁner details in elements like doors, windows, or ornamental pieces are not lost by scan error.” -Isaac Knott“I am loving the job. The work I am doing is exactly what I want to do in my career, and I feel like I am meeting a lot of like-minded people who have been so helpful in inspiring me and pushing me further in this ﬁeld. I love my coworkers and my supervisor and feel very lucky to be part of this program.”-Claire Molina31

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Historic American BUILDINGS SURVEYDeath Valley NATIONAL PARKRocky Mountain NATIONAL PARKEFTA’s Shevlda Diazvisited Kai Guevara at Death Valley National Park. She learned about his energy project, which will help the park prevent outages during extreme storms.Paulina Gutierrez (InternshipLead) tried on some safety gear with Valeria Hernandez at RockyMountain National Park.Visiting our interns and their mentors is an essential aspect of ensuring the success of the Latino Heritage Internship Program.At Environment for the Americas, we value the chance to witness our interns in action—whether leading interpretive programs or conducting research on migratory birds. These site visits take our team on extensive journeys, traveling by car and plane across cities and to remote national parks.Site Visits In May 2024, the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) team invited EFTA to San Antonio, Texas, to collaborate on a eld survey of the Alazan-Apache Courts, the city’s oldest public housing community.Join us on our summer road trip as we explore the remarkable places where our interns make a difference!THIS YEAR WE VISITED:13 INTERNS11 PARKS32

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Efgy Mounds NATIONAL MONUMENTZion NATIONAL PARKIntermountain RegionPLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCESalem Maritime NATIONAL HISTORIC PARKLowell NATIONAL HISTORIC PARKBoston NATIONAL HISTORIC PARKCuyahoga Valley NATIONAL PARKWe had so much fun visiting Valeria at Salem National Historic Park. She had visits from the EFTA team and from Ernestine White with the NPS Washington Ofce.Laura Rodriguez showed us around Lowell National Historic Park. She has been connecting the Latino communityto its history.Our travels took us to Ohio, whereClaire Molina participated in bird surveys at Cuyahoga National Park.The site visit came to us when DianaSarmiento joined us at our ofce in Boulder, Colorado. She gave us an amazing presentation about her park planning experience with the Intermountain Region.We visited Gaby Parra in the heat of the summer, but that didn’t stop her! She worked with the education team anddeveloped a history program about the movie,“Ramona,” which was lmed in the park.We learned so much about community engagement from Jannella Perez Torres and Rafael Santos. They worked as a team to raise community awareness of the park.Amelia Proweller showed us some style by donning this hoop skirt “cage” during one of her public events.This park is especially fun when you have a guide like Lidia Grande-Ruiz. Her photography and videos are helping the park do more outreach!First Ladies NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK33

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In 2024, the efforts of LHIP yielded a greater amount of varied and professional media content, all directed at advancing the program’s objectives, engaging past and present interns, and involving program partners. The growth, reach, visits, and interactions on LHIP’s social media platforms witnessed a noticeable rise as compared to the previous year.LHIP Social MediaSocial Media Accounts; Activity, Engagement, and Awareness Impact • Los Angeles, CA• New York, NY• San Antonio, TX • Tucson, AZTop Cities Engaged • San Antonio, TX• Denver, CO • New York, NY• San Juan, PRTop Cities Engaged 160 LIKESLHIP Social Media GrowthFACEBOOKPage Reach in 2024: +64%Page Visits Increase 182%Page Likes Increase +87% INSTAGRAMPage Reach in 2024: +87%Page Visits Increase 182%Page Likes Increase +65% Facebook: @latinoheritageinternshipprogramInstagram: @lhip_interns34

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Meet the 2024 LHIP Interns!Popular Social Media PostsAmelia Proweller Community Building Intern at the First Ladies National Historic SiteNair Perez-Torres Canyonlands National Park Interpretation Intern at Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National ParkFiorella Fernandez Natural Resource Intern (DHA) to Biscayne National Park/Natural Resource Management/Fish and Wildlife Inventory & Monitoring Program(LHIP) interns gear up to embark on their ﬁeldwork journey!Elizabeth Morales Trail Planning Intern at Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic TrailValeria Hernandez Science Communication (Digital Media) Assistant at Continental Divide Research Learning Center - Rocky Mountain National Park“I sought out this opportunity... After completing my master’s in environmental science, I was eager to delve into new horizons for career growth. Drawing from my research background in environmental justice and community-based conservation, nurtured during my time as a zookeeper, I’m passionate about making the outdoors more accessible and fostering diversity in environmental science.” - Valeria Hernandez35

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Publication Media HighlightsINTERN SPOTLIGHT: Shane Cremmen AND Valeria CaballeroThe National Park Service is enhancing accessibility at Saugus Iron Works National Historical Site, north of Boston. Interns Shane Cremmen and Valeria Caballero are collaborating with Birdability to implement tools like a 3-D bluebird model, braille bird identiﬁcation pages, and raised outline illustrations. These resources help make birding more inclusive for individuals with visual impairments. SCAN to read entire articalINTERN SPOTLIGHT: Lucy HurlbutThis past summer, Lucy Hurlbut, Outreach and Digital Communications Specialist at the National Park Service, visited Environment for the Americas interns at Rocky Mountain National Park. She observed their efforts in supporting the National Park Service’s mission of resource preservation. Programs promoting diversity and inclusion are vital for sustainable conservation. Upon returning to Washington, D.C., Ms. Hurlbut will share ﬁrsthand accounts of the positive impacts these interns are making.INTERN SPOTLIGHT: Claire MolinaDo you know which animal is the fastest in the world? Do you know just how fast it can go? If you’re lucky enough to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, you might see the amazing speed of a peregrine falcon, which can reach 200 mph. This article will discuss where these incredible birds have been seen and how living near growing cities impacts their lives.INTERN GRADUATE: Mario Cardoza-ReyesInternships offer valuable hands-on experience for graduates, exempliﬁed by Mario Cardoza-Reyes, a former intern in the Latino Heritage Internship Program. He credits his internship with clarifying his career goals and uses his bilingual skills to educate visitors, bridging language barriers and providing essential environmental and conservation information.SCAN to read entire articalSCAN to read entire articalSCAN to read entire artical36

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Words From Our Interns LHIP interns sampling the aquatic life in a stream with the scoop nets. “I have developed interpretation, research, and creativity skills through my time at FILA. Thanks to the dedication of my supervisor, superiors, and coworkers, I gained knowledge through conversation, training, and practice (providing multiple tours a week, creating multiple pop-ups, attending multiple community events a week, and completing the New Employee Checklist).”Amelia Proweller Community Building Intern - First Ladies National Historic Site “The internship has surpassed my expectations and has given me the opportunity to connect with new people and have life-changing experiences.”Jesus Gonzalez Javariz Summer Architect Intern / Historic Preservation Technician Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS), National Park Service“I still get very nervous every day coming into work, but I view that more as a positive than a negative. I am mostly nervous about doing the job right and leaving not just a good impression on my team but also on the park, and having the feeling that I did make a difference. However, I am very fortunate to be with a fantastic team that always reassures me, ‘You’re okay and in a safe work environment.”Lidia Grande Ruiz Visual Information Intern - Boston National Historical Park38

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“Honestly, if she were not here, we would not be doing most of the programs that are happening this summer. Laura is not just a piece of the Lowell community; as a resident of Lowell, she is THE community and part of its continuous and evolving history. We, as supervisors, had goals and expectations for our LHIP intern, and by day three, we realized our goals were too small for her because of what she is capable of. She is more than what we ever could have expected and hoped for. Laura jumped right in with new ideas and programming. We are grateful to have her as a member of our team.”JoAnn Marcos Youth & Volunteer Program Manager Emily Donovan Supervisory Park Ranger FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Amy Glowacki (Program Manager of Interpertation and Education), Laura Rodriguez (LHIP Intern), Emily Donovan (Supervisory Park Ranger)Words From Mentors / Supervisors39

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Ara Nibar is a traveling and performative award-winning artist.He is best known in Latin America and the Caribbean for his formal inspirational exhibits, live painting demonstrations using techniques acquired throughout his travels. Ará is also known for the elaboration of caricatures and live portraits, thus pleasing locals and tourists with fun memorable creations. Ará has also worked as an art teacher in Latin America, instructing kids and seniors on the secrets and techniques of painting in a simpler way. In collaboration with Puerto Rico based artist Ará Nibar, LHIP interns explored and shared historic contributions that Latinos have made to the makeup of the United States at the national park/site, or in the surrounding community where they are located, through painting, drawing, or mixed media artwork based on a signiﬁcant landscape, structure, historical event, or theme that has inspired them. LHIP and HBCUI interns pose with their art projects on the rooftop of the DOI building alongside L. Stephen Velasquez (far left), a curator at the National Museum of American History.40Appreciation of Latinos’ Contributions to American History Through Art

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Art Culture ProjectParticipating interns presented their artwork during the Career and Leadership Workshop, sharing their art style and the meaning of their pieces.41TITLE: Sailor Letterby Lidia Grande RuizVISUAL INFORMATION INTERN Boston National Historical ParkTITLE: Independenceby Jadicee MedelNATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Valley Forge National Historical ParkTITLE: Veinticincoby Savannah BalderasVISUAL INFORMATION SPECIALIST Blackwell School National Historic SiteTITLE: Cañaenlas Montañasby Valeria CaballeroCOMMUNITY OUTREACH AND INTERPRETATION INTERN Salem Maritime National Historic Site & Saugus Iron Works National Historic SiteTITLE: Planting a Conversationby Amelia ProwellerSUMMER ARCHITECT INTERN / HISTORIC PRESERVATION TECHNICIAN First Ladies National Historic Site

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43TITLE: Seasonal Lifestyleby Gabriella ParraEDUCATION AND OUTREACH Zion National ParkTITLE: The Classicistby Kevin PonceSUMMER ARCHITECT INTERN/ HISTORIC PRESERVATION TECHNICIAN Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS), National Park ServiceTITLE: El Chavo Del Bosqueby Jessie SolisCOMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR First State National Historical ParkTITLE: Wants and Needsby Carmen ArtilesPARK PLANNING FELLOW Midwest Regional Ofﬁce/ Planning and Compliance/ PlanningTITLE: Cotton in a Massachusetts Cityby Laura RodriguezCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INTERN Lowell National Historical ParkTITLE: Untitledby Fiorella FernandezNATURAL RESOURCE INTERN Biscayne National ParkArt Culture Project

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44Appendix 1: Intern ProﬁlesPark Planning Fellow - Midwest Regional Ofﬁce/ Planning and Compliance/PlanningCarmen Yalexa Artiles, a graduate of York College with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, is now advancing her education by pursuing a Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about aquatic ecology, environmental equity, paleontology, and geology. Carmen is interested in this program because it combines all her interests, particularly within the context of National Parks. She believes that participating in this program will signiﬁcantly advance her future career with the National Park Service (NPS), beneﬁting both her and the community.Carmen ArtilesYORK COLLEGE Visual Information Specialist - Blackwell School National Historic SiteSavannah Balderas holds a BS in Mathematics and an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction. For two years, she has dedicated herself to teaching high school math, emphasizing the importance of diversity in education. She believes in simple yet impactful actions like correctly pronouncing students’ names to improve their learning experience. Reﬂecting on her own education, Savannah noted moments where multiculturalism was lacking, like a history lesson on slavery that ignored Mexican experiences, driving her commitment to a more inclusive education system. With aspiration of enhancing her impact, Ms. Balderas plans to pursue a doctoral degree to inﬂuence educational policy, particularly the narrative and language in textbooks. She is committed to fostering cultural diversity understanding among future generations. Savannah is eager to use this internship to grow and contribute her insights towards enriching multicultural education.Savannah BalderasTEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY First State National Historical Park, DEEthan Bravo, currently enrolled at Ball State University, is working towards degrees in Social Studies Education and Public History. He is attracted to this particular program due to its emphasis on public history and education, with the goal of enhancing representation for marginalized groups. Ethan’s professional passions encompass history, social phenomena, interpersonal dynamics, and theorchestration of events or activities.Ethan BravoBALL STATE UNIVERSITY..her goals are broadly focused on Florida’s sea life, with a particular focus on the conservation and, ideally, ﬂourishing of Florida’s native echinoderms.

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X45Community Outreach and Interpretation Intern - Salem Maritime National Historic Site & Saugus Iron Works National Historic SiteValeria Caballero is a master’s student currently working on her thesis, which explores the perception, legality, and accessibility of urban foraging in San Antonio, Texas. Her goal is to provide policy recommendations and proactive solutions to enhance food security in the city. Upon completing her thesis, she will earn her master’s degree in Sustainability, Society, and the Environment from the University of Kiel in Germany. Valeria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, with a concentration in Conservation and Restoration Ecology, from the University of Texas at San Antonio. During her second year at UTSA, she became a member of the Green Society, a student organization dedicated to environmental sustainability. The organization’s activities, which included volunteer and activism opportunities in the San Antonio community, deepened her interest in socio-environmental issues. Valeria is driven by a passion for environmental justice, sustainability, and education. She is enthusiastic about her internship, especially because it allows her to engage in community outreach. Valeria looks forward to using her ﬁrst language, Spanish, in a professional setting by facilitating bilingual interpretive programs at Salem Maritime Historic Site and Saugus Iron Works. After the summer, she hopes to continue her career in the non-proﬁt or governmental sector, focusing on roles that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with community advocacy coordination. Her long-term goal is to make a positive impact in the environmental sector, and she views this internship as a signiﬁcant step towards achieving that ambition.Valeria CaballeroUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO Grand Canyon National Park, AZFiorella Fernandez graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. This program aligns perfectly with her personal interest in Florida’s ecosystem, enabling her to identify and sample ﬁsh, as well as observe and survey sea turtle nests in Biscayne Bay. It also meets her professional interests by providing opportunities to interact with and ask questions of professionals working in her dream roles and locations. Her interests and goals are broadly focused on Florida’s sea life, with a particular focus on the conservation and, ideally, ﬂourishing of Florida’s native echinoderms. She has developed a deep care for speciﬁc echinoderms, dedicating her research project in Marine Biology to the long-spined sea urchin, studying the purple sea star in her Marine Biodiversity class, and focusing on the cushion star, one of the few sea stars native to the state. Her love for marine biology came from a deep love for the sea and a sharp interest in science, nurtured by many trips to aquariums and science museums with her parents. Her passion for the ocean grew through family outings, like memorable kayaking and snorkeling trips with her aunt and ﬁshing with her father. These experiences led her to realize that her life’s dedication would be towards marine biology rather than other marine-related careers, such as working in the coast guard, due to her love for science. Fernandez aspires to work as a marine biologist in Florida, not just because it’s her home state, but also because of her fascination with its vast diversity of ﬂora, fauna, and biomes. She believes that the program at Florida Atlantic University is the perfect stepping stone toward achieving her lifelong dream and is deeply grateful for the opportunity it presents.Fiorella FernandezFLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITYAppendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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46Outreach/Public Affairs - Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - SeattleKaren Fuentes graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in Fall 2021 and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in History at California State, Bakersﬁeld, where she has been recognized as an outstanding Graduate MA student. Her interest in this program stems from her belief in the importance of promoting diversity, community, and conservation. Participating in this program allows her to leverage her skills as a historian and serve as a representative of the Latino community. Having enjoyed her previous experience, Karen is eager to collaborate with the National Park Service again and facilitate enjoyable experiences for park visitors. Professionally, she is interested in teaching at the community college level, where she can mentor students and serve as a positive inﬂuence on their educational journeys. She also ﬁnds a career with the national parks appealing due to her passion for assisting others and engaging with people. Whatever path she chooses, Karen is committed to being a dedicated representative of the Latino community and supporting others in their endeavors.Karen FuentesCALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, BAKERSFIELDCommunity Ambassador and Educator - Blackstone River Valley National Historical ParkCaroline, from Rhode Island, is in her fourth year at IE University in Madrid and Segovia, Spain, studying international relations. Driven by the US political climate and a wish to improve her Spanish, she pursued her undergraduate studies abroad. This experience boosted her language skills, fueled her passion for community development, and enhanced her intercultural communication abilities. During her studies, Caroline developed a deep understanding of political development and sustainability. Her language skills grew in Spain, studying Arabic for three years alongside Spanish. Aside from her studies, Caroline is passionate about environmental education and policy. She’s looking forward to joining the Latino Heritage Internship Program at Blackstone Valley National Park in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, hoping to make park programs more accessible to the Spanish-speaking community. In her spare time, she enjoys taking her hammock to local parks and practicing yoga.Caroline Gracia IE UNIVERSITYVisual Information Intern - Boston National Historical ParkLidia Grande-Ruiz is a ﬁrst-generation college graduate with a BA in Film and minors in Business and Native American Studies from Cal Poly Humboldt. She believes in using imagery to help preserve cultural, historical, and natural resources for future generations. In high school, she joined an environmental club, participating in cleanups along the LA River and taking a marine biology class, leading to ﬁve years of volunteering with Heal the Bay at their aquarium. This experience clariﬁed her career path and helped her land a Digital Advocacy Intern position. Coming from a low-income, ﬁrstgeneration background, Lidia has worked with the Oceanic Preservation Society, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), and The White House, learning how diversity in the workplace spurs both personal and professional growth. Currently, as a Visual Information Intern for the Boston National Historical Park, Lidia focuses on engaging the community through media. Her favorite places include Redwoods National Park, Olympic National Park, Malibu Creek State Park, and the National Mall in Washington, DC.Lidia Grande RuizCAL POLY, HUMBOLDTAppendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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47Interdisciplinary Community Planner - Death Valley National ParkKia Guevara is attending UC Berkeley, studying Conservation and Resource Science as well as Cognitive Science. She is excited to contribute to positive and tangible changes in National Park infrastructure. Kia hopes to pursue a professional journey that focuses on environmental science and global change.Kai GuevaraUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELYScience Communication (Digital Media) Assistant - Continental Divide Research Learning Center, Rocky Mountain National ParkValeria, originating from Brownsville, Texas, a small seaside city on the border, completed her undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2016. Possessing a lifelong enthusiasm for animal welfare, she embarked on a professional journey as a zookeeper, dedicating nearly four years to this sector. Her profound experiences in animal care propelled her to pursue a Master of Arts in Biology at Miami University, from which she graduated in December 2023. During her master’s studies, Valeria engaged extensively with Environmental Justice and community-based conservation efforts, directing her research towards these areas. Driven by her commitment to enhance public involvement in conservation initiatives and fueled by her passion for photography, Valeria sought admission to this program. She is looking forward to acquiring additional skills in digital media project creation aimed at science communication, with the goal of captivating and educating a wide range of audiences.Valeria HernandezMIAMI UNIVERSITYSummer Architect Intern / Historic Preservation Technician - Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS), National Park ServiceJesús is actively working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in History of the Americas, complemented by a minor in Hispanic Linguistics, at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. His educational path has been both broad and rigorous, enhancing his writing and research abilities. From a young age, Jesús has been fascinated by the Humanities, with a passion for culture, history, and languages that continues to ﬂourish. He is driven by the desire to share this enthusiasm with others to improve the visitor experience at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. As an ambitious historian, Jesús excels at deciphering historical documents with clarity and precision, making them accessible to contemporary audiences. His interest lies in American history, and he seeks to apply his skills as an interpretive writer at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Jesús is enthusiastic about advancing his studies and hopes to make meaningful contributions to the ﬁeld of history.Jesús González-JavarizUNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO, RÍO PIEDRAS Appendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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48Education and Interpretation Intern - Lincoln Boyhood National MemorialJaegar Loran is in his ﬁnal college semester, transforming an initial daunting challenge into a profound achievement. He’s about to graduate from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a ﬁeld he’s passionate about. His interest in criminal justice is driven by a desire to connect with park rangers and superintendents, giving him insight into federal employment and national park operations. This enthusiasm grew after meeting Ana Guzman, a fellow LHIP (Latino Heritage Internship Program) intern, last summer. Their interaction was enriching both professionally and personally, as Ana’s Spanish ﬂuency helped Jaegar connect with his cultural heritage, a connection his father hadn’t established. Jaegar wants to become a park ranger in the National Parks system, a role he sees as impactful. He’s focused on advancing his skills and attending paid training to become a law enforcement ofﬁcer in the parks. Jaegar’s story is one of personal growth, academic success, and professional ambition, signaling a promising career in natural and cultural heritage stewardship.Jaegar LoranBALL STATE UNIVERSITYNatural Resource Management Intern - Valley Forge National Historical ParkJadicee Medel, a sophomore at Texas A&M University, is working toward a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Oceanography starting this fall. Uncertain about her career path, Jadicee discovered her passion for environmental science during the pandemic, which sparked an unprecedented interest. Finding her way through the vast opportunities at her university was challenging, especially for an extroverted student like Jadicee who was looking for career-building activities. An encounter with Katherine Shorten at a career fair, however, changed her outlook. Inspired by Ms. Shorten’s energy and the program’s focus on diversity and inclusion, Jadicee was motivated to apply. Professionally, Jadicee wants to work in nonproﬁt organizations, focusing on oceanography or land conservation. She understands the need to study the ecological impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems and wants to use her knowledge to push for stronger environmental policies globally, based on scientiﬁc evidence.Jadicee MedelTEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYSummer Architect Intern / Historic Preservation Technician - Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS), National Park ServiceIsaac Knott, originally from San Antonio, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Currently, Isaac works as an intern at a local architect’s ofﬁce in the Town of Helotes, where he contributes to projects for local school districts and religious groups. Professionally, his interests are in the local architecture of San Antonio, driven by the city’s rich history. He is drawn to this program to acquire techniques for documenting historic structures, with the intention of integrating these lessons into his professional practice after completing the program period.Isaac KnottUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, SAN ANTONIOAppendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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49Science Communication & Natural Resource Management Assistant - Cuyahoga Valley National ParkClaire Molina, a Scripps College alumna, earned her bachelor’s in Biology, with a focus on Biology and additional studies in Spanish and Latin American and Caribbean cultures. From Seattle, Washington, Claire has always loved nature, enjoying its vast hikes, forests, and wildlife. During college, she discovered a deep passion for birding, leading to a commitment to conservation and avian research. Over the last few years, Claire has participated in research projects studying how human activity affects bird behavior and biology. Her work has included studies on the Pigeon Guillemot, the Russet-backed Oropendola of Ecuador, and the White-crowned Sparrow. These experiences have reinforced her belief in the importance of avian behavioral studies for understanding ecological impacts and informing conservation efforts. Claire recently joined Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where she combines her passion for ﬁeld research with the important task of sharing scientiﬁc knowledge with the public. She is drawn to the park’s efforts to create inclusive spaces for the Latino community in nature, aligning with her goal to diversify the scientiﬁc ﬁeld. In this role, Claire hopes to further her involvement in wildlife conservation and improve her science communication skills. She believes her upcoming experiences will enhance her academic knowledge and support her professional goals.Claire MolinaSCRIPPS COLLEGE Trail Planning Intern - Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic TrailElizabeth Morales is nearing completion of her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Justice and Sustainability from San Francisco State University. Elizabeth’s educational journey has been both enriching and inspiring. Armed with her degree, she is ready to advocate for environmental justice and education. Elizabeth holds a deep appreciation for the outdoors, championing the accessibility and equality of parks, trails, national parks, and natural spaces. She is dedicated to making a signiﬁcant impact through community engagement, collaborative efforts, and expanding knowledge. Committed to driving collective progress towards a more hopeful future, Elizabeth is especially drawn to roles in management, park services, and initiatives focused on environmental justice.Elizabeth MoralesSAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY Education and Outreach Intern - Zion National ParkGabriella Parra, a senior at the University of Arizona, is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, with a minor in Mexican-American Studies. She ﬁnds inspiration in her mother, the ﬁrst among her six siblings to graduate college with a degree in Mexican-American Studies. Gabriella’s sister also graduated, and Gabriella hopes to be the ﬁrst in her family with a science degree by Summer 2024. She is passionate about environmental justice, motivated by community outreach, education, policy, and research. Gabriella has seen the adverse health effects and lack of green spaces in her community, attributing these issues to the area’s low-income, predominantly people of color. Last summer, she researched the park’s Hispanic history and worked on outreach, experiences she found rewarding and looks forward to continuing. Her work with the Latino Heritage Internship Program and Zion National Park has deepened her desire to pursue a career in the National Park Service (NPS), driven by the NPS’s vision of a more inclusive future. Gabriella dreams of giving back to her community, supporting her family, enhancing educational opportunities, and inspiring others to value and protect the environment.Gabriella Parra UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Appendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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50Digital Media Technician - Tonto National MonumentPablo Perez is presently enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, pursuing a major in Journalism with a minor in Finance, speciﬁcally focusing on video and audio production. His attraction to this program stems from its alignment with his interests in videography and photography, providing him with an excellent opportunity to enhance his knowledge and skills in these ﬁelds. Perez possesses a solid background in audio, inclusive of experience in radio broadcasting, and is excited to broaden his expertise in video production. Participation in this program is anticipated to advance his professional ambitions, as he hopes to secure roles in video production, photography, and possibly radio hosting.Pablo PerezUNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, OMAHA Outreach Assistant Intern - Efﬁgy Mounds National MonumentJannella Perez Torres, from Portland, Oregon, loves the outdoors. Her early adventures in national parks inspired her deep appreciation for nature. She looks forward to combining this passion with federal service at Efﬁgy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. Switching to Howard University in her sophomore year was a key step in her academic path, where she studied International Affairs and Economics, hoping to impact public service. After interning at Efﬁgy Mounds National Monument, Jannella will join the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic to promote Spanish literacy, aligning with her goal to work in foreign service. She wants to be a Foreign Service Ofﬁcer at the State Department, focusing on international diplomacy and cooperation. She plans to retire as a park ranger to continue her commitment to environmental conservation. She also enjoys exploring different cuisines and collects Coca-Cola memorabilia.Jannella Perez TorresHOWARD UNIVERSITY Canyonlands National Park Interpretation Intern - Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National ParkNair Perez-Torres, currently a senior at Florida State University, is pursuing a major in Media Communications, complemented by double minors in Environment & Society and Criminology. Originating from Oregon, Perez-Torres has dedicated her summers to camping and exploring the natural beauty of her home state. Possessing a deep-seated interest in agriculture and environmental conservation, she identiﬁed the Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) as the perfect platform to integrate her enthusiasm for media outreach with her passion for nature and outdoor activities. Through her involvement in the LHIP, Perez-Torres is committed to motivating others to value and protect the natural world as fervently as she does.Nair Perez-TorresFLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY...spreading awareness about conservation is crucial, as wildlife and the environment play a vital role...Appendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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51Cultural History Education Intern - Everglades National ParkMia Pizzi is a senior student at Florida International University, actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Molecular Biology with a minor in Marine Biology. She is deeply interested in the internship program as it offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience in the ﬁeld, particularly in conservation efforts aimed at protecting the Everglades and its surrounding areas. For Mia, spreading awareness about conservation is crucial, as wildlife and the environment play a vital role in our world and, ultimately, our future. Professionally, Mia is driven by a commitment to environmental preservation, with a keen emphasis on wildlife conservation. Her ambition is to serve in a forensic laboratory, playing a pivotal role in the recovery and protection of poached or endangered species. Mia’s goal is to ensure these creatures can ﬂourish once more within their natural environments. Mia is also interested in pursuing a career as a wildlife veterinarian, dedicating her skills to treating wounded or sick wildlife.Mia PizziFLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Summer Architect Intern / Historic Preservation Technician - Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS), National Park ServiceKevin Ponce is an ambitious architecture student with six years of experience as a BIM Technician. He graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, took part in Drexel University’s 7-year Architecture program at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, and earned a Certiﬁcate in Classical Architecture from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Kevin is excited to learn and apply new skills to his work as he moves towards licensure. Throughout his career, Kevin has worked on a variety of projects including educational and religious facilities, residential and commercial developments, and institutional projects. He values the study of historical buildings to enhance contemporary designs, integrating traditional methods with modern technology. Kevin wants to support conservation efforts in architecture, highlighting the need for Hispanic representation in Historic Conservation to protect endangered historic sites. He believes that the future of architecture depends on respecting and understanding its past.Kevin PonceDREXEL UNIVERSITYCommunity Building Intern - First Ladies National Historic SiteAmelia Proweller is a sophomore at Kenyon College, Ohio, studying History with a focus on the Americas. She specializes in African Diasporic and Latine studies, examining how these histories interact with legal systems. Her goal is to explore the roots of social and racial inequalities in American society and their impact on citizen agency. She chose this program for its community engagement opportunities and the chance to study key ﬁgures in American history, valuing the small class sizes for the close connections they create among students passionate about inclusion and history. Amelia is also interested in bridging cultural divides through shared history. As an active member of Adelante, the Latine Students Association, she promotes diversity within the Latino community and looks forward to bringing this passion to Canton festivals. Hoping for a career in law and nonproﬁt work, Amelia wants to help reform social systems for justice and equity. She is interested in organizations like Towards Employment, Common Justice, the Immigrant Workers Project, and the Innocence Project, which reﬂect her career goals.Amelia ProwellerKENYON COLLEGEAppendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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XX52Park Planning Fellow - Intermountain Region Planning and Environmental ComplianceDiana rejoins us as an intern from the summer of 2023, bringing with her a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Purdue University. She is on the cusp of earning her master’s in museum and Field Studies from the University of Colorado—Boulder this coming May. Her fascination with park planning is rooted in her archaeological background, particularly her understanding of the legal frameworks designed to protect archaeological sites. During her internship, Diana is eager to translate her theoretical knowledge into practical application, speciﬁcally the preservation strategies utilized by the National Park Service to protect archaeological integrity. Beyond her immediate goals, Diana possesses an interest in the documentation of cultural evolution over time, with a focus on the analysis of contemporary physical landscapes. This internship presents an opportunity for her to deepen her understanding in this area and make signiﬁcant contributions to the conservation of cultural heritage across national parks.Diana Quintero-Bisono UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, BOULDER Community Engagement Intern - Lowell National Historical ParkLaura Rodriguez, from San Francisco de Sales, Colombia, faced a life-changing move at 14 when her family sought better opportunities in the U.S. The transition was tough, leaving behind everything familiar and struggling with a new culture and language. Unlike her close-knit community in Colombia, Laura initially felt isolated in her new city. However, Laura found comfort in new friendships and her faith. She quickly learned English and engaged with her community, appreciating their generosity and kindness. With the support of mentors, she pursued her education at Middlesex Community College, earning an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering in May 2023. She then moved on to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), with the goal of using her education to beneﬁt her communities in Lowell, the U.S., and Colombia. Laura’s engineering career is driven by her wish to contribute positively to her communities. Her involvement in the Latino Heritage Internship Program shows her commitment to leadership and her ambition to inspire others by promoting Lowell’s rich history and giving back.Laura Rodriguez WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE Interpretation Intern (Spanish) - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaAndres Ridley is nearing the completion of his studies at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he is set to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Spanish in May. His motivation to participate in the LHIP stems from a desire to utilize his gap year for outdoor experiences before beginning his medical school journey. As a Latino with ambitions of serving in a bilingual clinic post-medical school, Andres is deeply dedicated to enhancing outreach efforts to the Hispanic community. He is a strong proponent of offering government services in both Spanish and English, underscoring his passion for providing interpretation and translation services. Andres is enthusiastic about the opportunity to develop programs that honor Latino history within the National Park System, especially at Delaware Water Gap.Andres RidleyTULANE UNIVERSITYAppendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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Summer Fisheries Intern - San Francisco Bay Area Network Inventory and Monitoring Program, Point ReyesAlex Sandoval is attracted to the program due to its commitment to providing individuals of Latino heritage, like himself, with entry-level internships in conservation. This initiative highlights the Latino Heritage Internship Program’s (LHIP) efforts to address the underrepresentation of Latinos in the science and conservation sectors. Although Alex has not yet had professional experience in his area of interest—ﬁsheries and ﬁsh—he is ready to develop valuable skills in this ﬁeld. Passionate about environmental protection, Alex ﬁnds the prospect of working to stabilize endangered species populations through this internship deeply meaningful. Drawn to hands-on ﬁeldwork, they see this opportunity as a chance to build valuable connections and make a signiﬁcant impact in conservation.Alexander Sandoval TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Library Technician Intern - Efﬁgy Mounds National MonumentRafa, a graduate from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, holds degrees in History and English Literature, with a minor in Environmental Studies. In the summer of 2023, Rafa took an opportunity to work with Environment for Americas and the National Park Service via the Fish and Feathers program. While stationed in the Great Smoky Mountains, Rafa explored the park’s rich history and culture, researching the historical interactions among indigenous peoples, settlers, and local wildlife. Rafa is deeply interested in how people interact with the environment, from historical perspectives to present-day scenarios. He critically looks at how changing perceptions of nature affect our relationship with the planet. Rafa is committed to making knowledge more accessible, working towards equalizing information access. Rafa is excited about contributing to this role, knowing the lasting impact his efforts will have on the future.Rafael Santos AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE Park Planning Fellow - National Capital Region / Lands and PlanningAlexandra Silio is the incoming Park Planning Fellow in the National Capital Region. She graduated from the University of Central Florida this spring with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, focusing on communication and planning. The Latino Heritage Internship Program appealed to her due to its unique opportunity for growth in any environmental sector of interest. Alexandra is particularly interested in planning, design, and devising solutions for the natural environment through the built environment. By working with the National Capital Region, she hopes to gain insights into the park planning sector and understand the intricacies involved in maintaining and establishing national parks.Alexandra Silio UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA..park planning is rooted in her archaeological background.... understanding of the legal frameworks designed to protect archaeological site.53Appendix 1: Intern Proﬁles

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XXX54Archives Intern - Keweenaw National Historical ParkMilsy Westendorff is a graduate student at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, specializing in Anthropology with a focus on archaeology, particularly in the Mesoamerican region. She is dedicated to promoting gender and racial equity in archaeology. Her thesis explores the representation of Latinx women archaeologists. Milsy is also working towards a Museum Studies certiﬁcate, gaining handson experience as a research assistant at the Pick Museum of Anthropology. She has installed exhibits on campus and volunteers with the Anthropology collection at the Field Museum in Chicago, IL, enhancing her interest in museum work and preservation. She values diversity, understanding that people from varied backgrounds offer unique perspectives to ﬁelds like anthropology, history, and conservation. Aiming for a museum career, Milsy is committed to addressing representation and decolonization, working towards creating inclusive spaces for everyone.Milsy Westendorff NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Visitor Services, Cultural Resources and Land Management Intern - Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee MemorialJose Zavala is studying history at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he explores various dimensions of history and its societal impact. Looking ahead, Jose is excited to pursue graduate studies in Museum Studies or Library Sciences. His love for preserving history and making it accessible drives his interest in these ﬁelds. He believes that studying them will let him play a big part in keeping historical knowledge alive and sharing it with others. Jose is particularly enthusiastic about his upcoming internship at Arlington House where he will engage directly with historical artifacts and documents, deepening his understanding of curatorial practices and archival management. He is eager to apply his undergraduate knowledge in a real-world setting, conﬁdent that the skills from this internship will be invaluable for his future career. Beyond academics, Jose is dedicated to enriching the community’s cultural and educational life. Through this internship, he hopes to gain the skills to support these institutions and their missions.Jose Zavala UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTYCommunity Outreach Coordinator - First State National Historical ParkJessie Solis, the Community Outreach Coordinator at First State National Historical Park, is a proud alumna of California State University, San Bernardino. Jessie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, focusing on Child Development. Their passions lie in working with children, engaging with the great outdoors, and supporting the Latino community. Jessie hopes to establish a non-proﬁt that offers grant-funded clinics and affordable excursions for Latino families in the community. Their mission is to showcase the outdoors’ accessibility to all.Jessie Solis CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY... studies in Museum Studies... preserving history and making it accessible drives his interest in these ﬁelds.Appendix I: Intern Proﬁles

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XXX55Environment for the Americas coordinates World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), an international event celebrating the remarkable phenomenon of bird migration. With a focus on the Americas, we provide educational materials in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. WMBD has been widely celebrated at national parks, which play an important role in protecting habitats for birds as they travel between breeding and nesting sites.Our interns use the theme of bird migration and our multilingual resources to foster connections between local communities, nature, birds, and conservation efforts. This year, interns organized bird-focused activities at several parks, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There, mentor Mariamar Gutierrez continues her extensive research on migratory birds through a long-running bird banding station. Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) interns gained hands-on experience with bird handling and participated in valuable ﬁeld research.In celebration of Latino Conservation Week this September, intern Claire Molina hosted a free, family-friendly bilingual birding event. This engaging program gave visitors the opportunity to see birds up close and learn about their fascinating migratory journeys in both English and Spanish.Learn more at migratorybirdday.org and environmentamericas.org

2024 LHIP Report

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