By Pinkie Young
This January, The Watershed Project had the pleasure of welcoming five new Green Collar Corps members to our staff. The Green Collar Corps is our internship and career development program designated for young people ages 17-24, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in the environmental field. Our interns come to us with a range of skills and interests, but all share the desire to learn more about the environmental field and make a positive impact on their community. Throughout the next year, Green Collar Corps members will participate in career development trainings, as well as work alongside The Watershed Project’s staff to take part in impactful projects that are relevant to their interests and future goals. In their first month, GCC have already participated in prepping for and facilitating volunteers at MLK Day of Service, canvassed for the Hope Gardens project in North Richmond, supported the Education team in the classroom and on field trips, participated in monthly trainings, and more! We look forward to seeing them grow and reach their goals over the next year. Read their bios below.
Andres Rios
Andres is a student from Richmond High School, Class of 2023. He has lived all over Richmond his whole life, so the city is like home to him. One of Andres’ biggest hobbies is photography, specifically film photography since it is more rewarding and it takes more effort. He also enjoys working with others and helping out people in his areas of expertise, such as photography. Andres has also helped underclassmen at Richmond High with their freshman year and aided them in starting in a whole new social environment. Andres lives in the Wildcat Creek Watershed.
Ellie Pineda-Dircio
Ellie is an outdoor lover, plant lover and proud of being raised in Richmond. She enjoys taking long walks with her dog, Oliver, throughout her community to observe its beauty. She spends most of her free time tending to her house plants or working on her dream garden. Ellie looks forward to working with K-12th grade students in hopes of sparking a passion of their very own in caring for our environment.
Sydney Henderson
Sydney is a current student at the University of California Berkeley studying Environmental Economics and Policy. She joined the Green Collar Corps with hopes of learning about many different environmental careers and making a positive impact on the world she lives in. She is from Los Angeles, California and enjoys spending time outdoors when she is not in class. Sydney lives in the Dominguez Channel watershed.
Victor Cruz
Victor is a student at Richmond High School, Class of 2023. He has been raised in Richmond most of his life. He likes environmental things, such as animals, and also loves the sight of beautiful plants. He likes to have new experiences such as projects or things he has never done to gain experience. He also likes to help others if they are in need of it.
Zach Drummond
Zach is a student currently studying Environmental Studies. He has always had a passion for nature, and enjoys his many hobbies such as fishing, kayaking, bicycling, camping, hiking, traveling, photography and studying the local ecosystem. He was first introduced to TWP by first volunteering with other neighboring organizations such as SPAWNERS. Zach feels a deep sense of fulfillment through engagement with the natural world, and hopes to continue through this internship to a career in the space. Zach lives in El Sobrante and is a part of the San Pablo Creek Watershed.
