Please tell us about yourself.
I am grateful to call the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation (QVIR) in Northern California my home, where I reside with my husband and our blended family. I am of Swedish, Norwegian, and Karuk (a tribe from the Klamath and Salmon Rivers in Northern California) descent, and I have grown up closely identifying with my Indigenous culture. As the ecologist in the environmental program for QVIR, my work encompasses diverse projects, with a special emphasis on Traditional Ecological Knowledge. My role involves collaborating with and engaging partner agencies in restoration projects to ensure that Tribal values are thoughtfully integrated into our work.
What motivated you to enroll in the Leadership Studies program?
Before moving to QVIR, Humboldt County was my long-time home. In 2019, I completed my A.A. at the College of the Redwoods and then transferred to Humboldt State University to pursue a forestry degree with a concentration in wildfire management. However, the pandemic caused significant changes in my life, forcing me to reconsider my educational path just two semesters before completing my B.S. degree. Consequently, I switched to remote learning in the Leadership Studies Program, which I started in the fall of 2022. I am currently on track to graduate in the fall of 2024 with a bachelor's degree in leadership and a minor in fire ecology.
How has this program helped you in your career?
The Leadership Studies Program offered by Cal Poly Humboldt has been instrumental in my professional development, particularly in sustainable natural resource management. Through this program, I have honed my interpersonal communication skills within my professional relationships. Additionally, the program facilitated invaluable collaborations with external organizations, such as local environmental non-profits and government agencies, allowing me to gain hands-on experience in developing and implementing resource management plans.
This program has provided training in strategic planning, sustainability, and utilizing technology in leadership. These real-world case studies have enhanced my ability to anticipate and mitigate potential challenges in resource management projects. The supportive environment of the program has encouraged me to foster a resilient belief in my capabilities, empowering me to take on leadership roles with confidence.
I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to apply these refined skills and experiences to advance my career in natural resource management.
