Today we’d like to introduce you to Agnes Vianzon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Agnes. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, my immigrant parents took us on trips to many places but many of them were National Parks. Those journeys continued as I got older and I participated in a special opportunity that paid me to live and work in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For 22 weeks, I was immersed in a trail crew and community. The Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps was born from that experience.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, we are a new non-profit organization and navigating challenges associated with that. There is competition for federal funds, fundraising, lack of staff, and learning many new things.
Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps is a development and leadership program committed to building a stronger and more inclusive community. We aim to provide opportunities to experience and better understand wilderness and natural resources by providing a transformational backcountry experience.
ESCC focuses recruitment from priority populations. By way of hard work, new environments, education, and guidance on an intimate group level, our members will be given a role in creating new life experiences. Through work in the wilderness, our members will undergo an experience like no other — breaking boundaries, learning about themselves and others, and will form a deep appreciation of the outdoors.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
In our first year we put boots on the ground in every one of our programs that we set out to create. Women in the Wilderness, an all women trail crew, and the WILDlands Technical crew which focuses on fostering the growth and development of the next generation of leaders.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7163, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
- Website: www.easternsierracc.org
- Email: info@easternsierracc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easternsierracc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/easternsierracc/
Image Credit:
upside down photo: Tony Cervantes
Photo with 9 women and mountains: Adam Zamastil
All others: Agnes Vianzon
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