PROGRAM LEADER OF THE YEAR

The Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) is pleased to announce the Program Leader of the Year Award. This award, given annually, recognizes a program leader in the field of outdoor and environmental education. 

This distinguished annual award honors an outstanding leader in a management role, such as a coordinator, manager, or director. The recipient exemplifies visionary leadership, fosters a positive and supportive organizational culture, and makes meaningful contributions to both their workplace and the broader environmental education community. With a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, they lead by example and help advance the field through their dedication and impact. Help us recognize the remarkable leaders shaping the future of environmental education. 

Any person can nominate an individual for this award, and nominees do not need to be AEOE Members. Nominated individuals must do their work primarily in California. Nominations are kept on file for one year for future consideration. 

Awardees selected as Program Leader of the Year receive public recognition, lifetime membership to AEOE, and comped registration to the Statewide Conference.

Nominations are due in the fall. The award winners will be chosen by the AEOE Awards Committee and recognized at the Statewide Conference in the spring. 

To see the nomination questions ahead of time, click here. Feel free to make a copy or download as a Word doc to write out your answers. 

2025 Program Leaders of the Year

Program Leader of the Year:  Elba Mora

Elba Mora has influenced environmental education as the Outdoor Education Director at The Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve for the past nine years. Her extensive career, spanning over three decades, reflects a deep commitment to community service and child development. Her diverse expertise in environmental education, teen counseling, and art education has enriched her role, bringing both enthusiasm and innovation.

Under Elba’s leadership, she has revitalized several educational initiatives, notably the Outdoor Discovery Program (ODP). This program has provided free environmental education to over 10,000 underserved students annually across the Inland Empire, Riverside County, Coachella Valley, and surrounding communities. The ODP offers a five-hour, hands-on naturalist-led field trip experience, aligned with California’s Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive and impactful education. Nearly 80% of these students live at or below the poverty line and have limited access to green spaces, highlighting the program’s significant role in their lives.

Elba’s commitment to cultural authenticity is evident in her collaborations with local indigenous groups, including the Malki Museum and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. She ensures that educational programs authentically reflect the historical and ongoing stewardship of the land by these communities. This meaningful engagement enriches the learning experience and fosters a deeper understanding of indigenous culture and history.

Elba spearheaded various community programs, such as the Wildlands Youth Program. This initiative supports teens and children in need by focusing on environmental stewardship through ecotherapy activities like hiking, art, and restoration projects. Participating organizations include the Fontana Leadership Intervention Program, the Indigenous Education Department (Morongo and Yuhaaviatam Clan), TreePeople, YouthHope, and other community groups addressing specialized needs for youth.

Elba has also developed volunteer programs that serve people of all ages, promoting leadership and community involvement. The Junior Ranger Program, for instance, allows children to learn about nature while honing their leadership skills These young participants eventually lead environmental education programs and hike for their peers. The teen docent program provides valuable work experience and skill development, enabling volunteers to apply their previous skills, such as teaching at the preserve. These programs foster a sense of community empowerment and agency.

Elba Mora’s leadership at The Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve has significantly advanced environmental education, cultural understanding, and community empowerment. Her innovative programs and partnership continue to make a lasting impact on both individuals and communities.

Program Leader of the Year: Mindy Schwartz 

Mindy Schwartz has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and environmental education sector. Mindy leads with a deep belief that every person - child, intern, educator, or visitor - deserves to feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and possibility. She has served as Education Director at the Environmental Nature Center since 2017, where she oversees educational programming across two campuses: ENC Newport Beach and ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon. Prior to joining ENC, she was the Director of Creative Programming at Trash for Teaching, where she developed innovative, hands-on STEAM education programs and staff training systems. Mindy is also a former public school teacher with experience teaching across grade levels, and she has worked extensively in youth camp leadership. She is a graduate of the Emerging Leaders Program with the Nonprofit Partnership in Long Beach, holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Masters in Conservation Ecology & Sustainable Development. She has volunteered in numerous community and professional leadership roles, including serving on the AEOE Board of Directors. Mindy has transformed ENC’s education programs to model best practices in environmental learning. She streamlined ENC’s curriculum to align with NGSS while keeping programs hands-on, experiential, and place-based. She added innovative offerings such as 'Sensory Journey' (for students with special needs), 'Nature Connections to Literature' (a literacy program in partnership with libraries), and 'Wildlife Wonders Nature Club''(an after-school program). She has spearheaded bilingual program offerings, created Junior Naturalist Kits and reusable name tags to reduce waste, and championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in ENC’s strategic planning. Her leadership ensures instruction connects participants deeply to nature, supports lifelong learning, and fosters civic and environmental stewardship. AEOE is honored to celebrate Mindy’s visionary leadership and compassion as a 2025 Program Leader of the Year.