I represent the military community on an internal SDZWA committee that focuses on diverse and significant communities in San Diego. The committee is one of several that provide assistance and input to the "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee" which aligns SDZWA with the philosophies on cultural diversity of AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Both SDZWA and AZA understand that cultural diversity play a significant role in shaping its approach to education, outreach, and visitor experiences. With my extensive experience in the military I am able to assist and advise on strengthening an open, inclusive environment for all military related persons. Some of our activities include support programs and services which aid in the recruitment, retention, and success of all military related guests, volunteers and team members. We advise on providing resources and support services to address the unique needs and challenges of military members which may experience social pressures and inequities. We stress collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders to ensure that their voices are heard and represented in the planning and decision-making processes. We emphasize the importance of cultural diversity in educational programs and outreach initiatives and recognize that people from different cultural backgrounds may have varying levels of knowledge and experiences with wildlife. We strive to provide culturally sensitive and relevant information to help bridge these gaps, foster understanding, and promote conservation awareness among diverse audiences including the military community. Both SDZWA and AZA embrace and celebrating cultural diversity to create meaningful and impactful experiences that inspire conservation action and foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the natural world.

I help with a citizen science program that engages volunteers in collecting data for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance conservation. Trail camera capture images taken for two program, burrowing owls in San Diego County and giraffe conservation in Kenya. My task is to identify the animals, their numbers and activities. Both program are available to the public on Zooniverse.org as Wildwatch Burrowing Owl and Wildwatch Kenya.

The Information Ambassador at the San Diego Zoo is a vital role responsible for providing visitors with accurate and engaging information about the zoo, its exhibits, and the animals. As an ambassador, their primary goal is to enhance the visitor experience by offering educational and entertaining information that fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the zoo's conservation efforts and the importance of wildlife preservation.

Watercolors are my medium for my artist's experience. It is characterized by creativity, experimentation, and the sheer joy of working with the medium of watercolors. Began my journey by exploring the basic techniques and materials involved in watercolor painting, embracing the fluid nature of the medium while capturing the special qualities of translucency and light. My inspirations include landscapes, seascapes, still life, portraits, and more. learning is a lifelong process. I am constantly seeking new techniques, attending workshops, watching tutorials, and studying the works of other artists to expand my knowledge and skill set. While the resulting art works are appreciated the experience is key to a deeply personal meditative result.

I provide photography services on a project basis working on a contractual or assignment basis. My experience includes various genres of photography including portrait photography, landscape photography, event photography, fashion photography, product photography, or documentary photography. I communicate with clients to understand their requirements, vision, and goals for the project. I plan and organize the logistics of the shoot. I use my technical skills and artistic vision to capture images that align with the client's needs.