Bianca discovered the Ecology Center during her junior year of high school, while researching internships in the summer. She had always enjoyed spending time outdoors and hiking, so she was interested in environmental organizations. The Ecology Center seemed like a logical fit. Bianca began as a participant in the Youth Environmental Academy (YEA), built her leadership as she transitioned into an internship, and then advanced to a Program Assistant position, where she has supported the farmers’ markets, EcoStore, and various events.
In her free time, Bianca enjoys traveling. In recent years, she has had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, where she says she was exposed to nature and learned about wildlife in ways she had never experienced growing up in the Bay Area. She says, “Being in those environments allowed me to see what nature really is and some of the problems we face. Those experiences and the Ecology Center inspired me to get involved in preservation and learn more about ecology. Through YEA, I learned about land and resource preservation and how to advocate for policies.”
Additionally, she says, being outside the country allowed her to see how readily available and accessible fresh food is. Those experiences, paired with the knowledge gained about sustainable agriculture through YEA, inspired her to grow her own food, instilling in her the importance of knowing where food comes from and what goes into it.
She shares that her experience with the Ecology Center has given her confidence and strengthened her voice as an advocate: “Before, I felt nervous speaking up. Now I’m more comfortable talking about environmental issues and my interests in this work. I’ve gained the knowledge and vocabulary to explain problems and solutions more clearly. Young people are often underestimated, but when we’re informed and have the language to express ourselves, we can drive real change.”
Bianca’s next steps involve attending Diablo Valley Community College, followed by a transfer to a four-year university, where she plans to major in political science. Eventually, she aspires to pursue either immigration or environmental law, where she will help lead the effort to build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for all.
