We’re harnessing the power of our greatest asset — the 40 million people who call California home. We need your help to tackle COVID-19, natural disasters, climate change, poverty, homelessness and other issues we may face in California.
We’re harnessing the power of our greatest asset — the 40 million people who call California home. We need your help to tackle COVID-19, natural disasters, climate change, poverty, homelessness and other issues we may face in California.
Allison Santos, Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians
Making Meaningful Connections with the People of Pauma Valley and the Land
Allison’s deep passion for the environment, coupled with the birth of her niece, crystallized her true calling: to safeguard the well-being of her niece and future generations. Allison served as a Climate Action Corps Fellow with Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians, where she organized educational workshops, supported the protection of Pauma’s ancestral lands, and gained a deeper sense of reverence for nature. Her experience inspired the next steps in her career, where she hopes to work in climate action and science.
What inspired you to become a California Climate Action Corps Fellow?
Working in the environmental field has always been my calling and after my niece Jordan was born, that sense of duty became much clearer to protect her future.
What is something you did during your service that makes you proud?
I am proud that during my service, the Pauma Band of Mission Indians implemented their climate action plans! Some major accomplishments were that I assisted in submitting a prescribed burn plan to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, organized educational workshops and field trips for students, gathered cultural resources and forest health data, and overall supported the protection of Pauma’s ancestral lands.
How has your experience in service impacted you and your community?
I’ve realized earning trust and building relationships are key to climate resilience in a community. I feel even more connected and curious about my own culture, and I cannot believe that Pauma has shared their Traditional Ecological Knowledge with me. My connection to nature is deeper in an unexplainable spiritual way because of this fellowship.
How has California Climate Action Corps inspired you for next steps in your career or education?
California Climate Action Corps has inspired me for the next steps in my career by providing a supportive crew from Bay Area Community Resources, Pauma and California Volunteers! Having access to resources such as: career development and field trainings, mentorship, medical insurance, therapy — all of these were available to support me in my role. CCAC showed me that we need to fight for what we deserve and for the first time I was SEEN and HEARD in my career. For women scientists of color, recognition does not come often enough.
What are your plans after service? What are your overall career/educational goals (“dream” job)?
My plan after service is to continue my work in climate action and science. I would love to continue working with the Pauma Band of Mission Indians, with the State of California.
