Natalia Uro-De León
Sustainable Development Advocate
Experiences
The experiences I've highlighted below have shaped my understanding of sustainability and have fueled my journey as a Sustainable Development Advocate.
Institute of the Americas: Science & Innovation STEM Program, UC San Diego
2019 During this two-week competitive program, I participated in various research labs including biodiesel (pictured above), electromagnetism, and genetic engineering, all conducted in Spanish. I grew extremely close with my classmates who hailed from Peru, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Mexico. In our conversations, I learned from them, about the challenges they faced at home: the lack of sustainable sanitary systems, inadequate health resources, poor electric reliability, and the ramifications of rushed urban development. My classmates instilled in me the value of being knowledgeable and creative in finding viable solutions to complex and urgent environmental and social issues. This inspiration remains with me.
Community Action Plan: Condoguinet Creek Watershed Association (CCWA) Diversity and Inclusion Recommendations
2020 For four months, I partnered with the CCWA to conduct research and develop strategies to enhance and diversify community engagement. I collaborated with the President of the CCWA to identify areas for improvement within the structure of the local non-profit organization. I strengthen my communication and research skills throughout this process while bolstering my professional skills. I developed a comprehensive action plan detailed in a professional memo. I outlined that the CCWA should; (1) revisit its code of conduct to adopt a DEI policy statement, (2) incorporating teambuilding activities into CCWA events, (3) elevate its social media presence, and (4) implement a student liaison program.
Our Voice - Communities for Quality Education:
Remote Intern
2021 For six months, I created bilingual content and served as a parent liaison for Our Voice - Nuestra Voz. The narratives of Latinx parents with whom I engaged with during my internship with Our Voice cannot be deeply understood in a classroom nor a textbook. I recognize the power of compassion and am fully aware of how it fuels me and my mission to bring equitable and sustainable development to all community members. I have learned the power of making their lived experiences part of my ever-evolving understanding of equity and community development. As I pursue higher education and my public service career, I stand in solidarity with them, bringing their stories, concerns, and values with me as I endeavor to ensure policies, initiatives, and development projects are inclusive, sustainable, and equitable.