Empress is an environmental geographer who has worked at TRNERR since 2021. She started as an education specialist with California State Parks before transitioning to SWIA as a coastal training program associate and research assistant. She attended San Diego State University where she earned a B.A. and M.A. in Geography with an emphasis in Environment and Society. Her work is a rich blend of focuses, with key aspects being providing training and technical assistance for Tribal and non-Tribal coastal decision makers and community members in the U.S. and Mexico, environmental justice, estuarine ecology, cultural heritage, habitat monitoring, cultural ecosystem services, environmental education, community science, and fostering cross-programmatic relationships within the Reserve. As a San Diego native, Empress enjoys spending her time outdoors and exploring the local food scene.
