Join your colleagues from across the state for an overnight retreat on the beautiful site of Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria. Professional development, lodging*, and three meals included. In addition to a structured PD session for program leaders, there will be ample opportunities for networking and discussions around topics of your choice. 

Professional development: Envisioning and Creating Inclusive Teams and Advancing Equity within your Organization

Join AEOE in this interactive session where participants will have the opportunity to envision and create relevant and actionable steps to move their organizational practices and culture to be more equitable, inclusive, and diverse. Participants will reflect on their organization's EI&D journey, identify areas of challenge, learn effective strategies to move past the challenges, and create actionable steps to advance their team and organization in this journey. Blanca Hernández, lead author of Building Towards an Inclusive Organizational Culture: Insights and Lessons Learned from YES Nature to Neighborhoods, a brief published by the Lawrence Hall of Science in 2020, will share her expertise on this topic and guide participants through this session.

Blanca Hernández (she/her/hers), Director of Programs & Partnerships at YES Nature to Neighborhoods, uses a strengths-based, healing-centered engagement approach to develop culturally responsive, nature-based programs that cultivate the leadership of BIPOC youth and adults. Blanca has a B.A. from the University of San Diego and is a graduate of CompassPoint’s Next Generation Leaders of Color. She has been a panelist and presenter at various convenings including the PGM ONE, the Children & Nature Network, the North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE), and with outdoor and EE partners on the importance of creating equitable and inclusive outdoor programs and organizational practices. She serves on Healthy Richmond’s and ChangeScale’s Steering Committees, and on the board of directors of the Association of Environmental & Outdoor Educators (AEOE) and TOGETHER Bay Area. Her self-care practices include painting, writing, and jogging with her dog, Bo.

Note that proof of COVID vaccination or recent negative test is required to attend. 

*Lodging includes shared cabins with bunk beds and their own bathroom. You will need to bring your own linens and toiletries. Please reach out to aeoe@aeoe.org if you prefer to secure your own lodging and meals.