Marissa Llanes’ work in the non-profit and environmental sectors is dedicated to addressing issues of access, representation, and inclusion. Her past experience includes program planning, design, and implementation for organizations in the interpretive and environmental fields including California Science Center Foundation, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) and Outward Bound Adventures. Marissa received a Master of Arts in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from California State University, Los Angeles with an emphasis on representational practices. Her academic background informs her work in community outreach, equity and inclusion efforts, and team management. As Deputy Director, Marissa applies her breadth of experience to new initiatives, aligning the projects with the goals of the organization, designing and planning for implementation, and managing and overseeing staff. Marissa’s strategy and vision, communication, and management skills enable her to develop and supervise Community Nature Connection’s new programs and grants, incorporating them seamlessly into the programmatic, advocacy, and policy development work of the organization. Her most recent project focuses on increasing visitation and relevancy in the CA State Parks System with management of two pilot project sites in Los Angeles and San Francisco. As project manager, Marissa worked with park staff to recruit and train community members living near park units to serve as community liaisons and advocates and engage local stakeholders in developing projects relevant to the communities surrounding the parks. Marissa is knowledgeable and experienced in partnership development, community engagement strategies, and project implementation and oversight. MARISSA@COMMUNITYNATURECONNECTION.ORG