Brenda Gallegos

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas Brenda grew up primarily focused on her studies. She was not initially exposed to the outdoors until her early teen years when she enjoyed several school field trips and family vacations to Mexico. Her interest in science blossomed after failing a ninth-grade biology class, which pushed her to understand the subject and grow to love it. Before joining Hispanic Access Foundation, Brenda worked with New Mexico Specialized Wildlife Services as a biologist researching Montezuma quail. She later joined Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks as a Tribal VISTA, eventually becoming the Associate Director after finishing her service year. There, she worked on several conservation issues including the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the ANTIQUITIES Act of 2019. She also worked on introducing underprivileged youth to the outdoors by establishing an outdoor club at a local high school and outdoor summer programs with local organizations.