un poco más de mí
The Backstory
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico between the coastal paradise of Aguadilla, the lush countryside of Moca, and the few soccer fields along the Western coast of the island. I grew up playing barefoot with neighbors in our small dead end street, climbing the flamboyán tree in my grandparents’ backyard, or searching for critters in my parents’ farm; essentially, I was a child full of wonder and energy. I like to think I keep that wild spirit alive to this day.
I studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez, where I was a good athlete but better student. After graduation, my half-baked plan of pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering never materialized. Instead, I relocated to central Virginia, partly for professional growth and partly for love, and it was there where I cemented a deep-rooted appreciation for the mountains and eventually, a thirst-bound obsession for “difficult pursuits” in the outdoors.
Difficult Pursuits is both a never-ending challenge and a way of life. I am continuously finding ways to push myself in the outdoors in a way that is sustainable long term and progressive according to my skills and weaknesses. At the same time, I’ve realized representation and quality outdoor experiences for women, and in particular, women of color and Latinas, are few and far between. Coupled with generational and racial obstacles, it seems like enjoying time outside is a difficult pursuit in and of itself for many. My goal is to use my platform and my voice to be an advocate for the advancement of opportunities for these people in the outdoors and beyond.
Press and social Media
Below is a growing list of features with external organizations, partnerships, or initiatives I’ve worked on to support the goal of showing up women of color outdoors and beyond:
“Difficult Pursuits and the making of a mountain athlete” interview for The Cairn Project
“Broadening the Base” feature article on Appalachian Trail Conservancy (September 2021)
“Simple Acts of Kindness” feature on Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine (October 2021)
“Intro to Hiking” video series (sample video)
Backcountry Honorary Gearhead 2020-2021
LOWA Boots and The Cairn Project “Intro to Hiking” giveaway
Interests or Work opportunities
I’m looking for collaboration opportunities that align with my personal values and are mutually beneficial. At the moment, I’m interested in:
partnerships that aim to accentuate the beauty of the Appalachian mountains, or feature the voice/story of a Hispanic woman’s experience here.
paid sponsorships or collaborations to support my future Difficult Pursuits, which at some point will involve high altitude mountaineering expeditions.
guest writing or speaking opportunities on Difficult Pursuits or finding purpose on the trail after immigration.
fundraising proposals for the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation.
I want to hear from you!
Industry Experience
Latinx Outdoor Partnerships Coordinator
Developing and executing strategies to support the involvement, education, and leadership advancement of Latinx/Hispanic trail users all along the Florida Trail and Appalachian trail corridor in a manner that is strategic, sustainable, and adaptable.
Click here for details on my professional work experiences.
The Cairn Project Adventure Fundraiser Partner
Active community fundraising partner having raised over $3,000 in cumulative charitable contributions using the Difficult Pursuits 2020 and 2021 projects as base adventures. Raised awareness of organization using social media.
Founding Board Member and Acting Vice-President
Branching off of Sunny Stroeer’s vision to empower women in pursuing high altitude mountain adventures, the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation team wants to reach more potential scholars than ever before.
