San Juan, Puerto Rico — mano-Y-ola commends three of its former interns for their new careers as Soil Conservationists with the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). These young professionals went through mano-Y-ola’s internship program in 2019, and in 2020 they participated in the Champions in Conservation Network (CCLN), furthering their leadership experience and preparing them to take on new roles. mano-Y-ola embraces the idea of “pay it forward,” investing in the young professionals of today with the belief that they will be the leaders of tomorrow and will continue to foster the growth of other young Hispanic farming professionals.
This is a belief shared by colleague Rafael Vega, a State Resource Conservationist at the NRCS Office in North Carolina and a mentor to the former interns, who continues to champion them on their professional journeys. Vega noted, “mano-Y-ola’s wholistic approach to the internship program not only provides the students with technical skills they need, but also fosters leadership experience. This is what makes the CCLN program very unique, and it contributes to these young professionals’ long-term success.” Vega also commented on the energy, ingenuity, and resourcefulness each of these specialists have brought to the NRCS.
All born and raised in Puerto Rico, Soil Conservationists Sara Espinosa and Alejandra Gonzalez have accepted positions in Indiana, while Gabriela Velez is relocating to her new role in North Carolina. The CCLN Network was created to promote sustainable farming outreach through the mentorship of young professionals to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
