Between January and March, these passionate conservationists explore the Salton Sea and the surrounding desert through immersive classroom presentations, hands-on field trips, and tackle local ecological challenges through capstone projects. Get to know this year’s group of Salton Sea Leaders below.
Tara is an undergraduate student pursuing her BS in Environmental Science. She hopes to contribute to habitat conservation and restoration in the Coachella Valley after graduating. When she is not working on her degree, Tara loves to spend her time hiking, off-roading, being a mom, reading, playing with the chemistry of clay and glazes, and sculpting. Tara’s favorite birds are vultures because they play an important role in balancing our ecosystems by removing carrion, controlling the spread of disease, and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Tara’s favorite place in nature is the Orocopia Mountains Wilderness Area. She loves to drive her Jeep out to a remote spot and quietly watch all the animals emerge from the otherworldly landscape while she observes the geology of the area.
Sierra Alvarez is a born-and-raised Coachella Valley community member who aspires to express and embody love through advocacy for social causes. Her hobbies include dancing, exploring the outdoors, taking classes to learn new skills, working out, and crafting. Her favorite bird is a Mandarin Patkin, and her favorite place in nature so far is the Tahquitz Canyon Trail.
Alejandra Escobar was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and is passionate about conservation and inspiring others to appreciate nature. Alejandra’s favorite bird is the Black Phoebe, and her favorite place in nature is shaded underneath trees or next to a river.
Larissa Olenicoff Sinclair is a travel writer and digital storyteller with a background in destination marketing and tourism development. Having traveled to more than 75 countries and lived in the UK, Sweden, Ukraine, and Kosovo, she brings a global perspective to her local work. Now based in North Shore near the Salton Sea, her hobbies include adventures to anywhere and everywhere, seeking novelties, asking lots of questions, and karaoke. One of her favorite places in nature is the shores of the Salton Sea at sunset, and she is a huge fan of owls.
Bernardo Lino is from North Shore and enjoys camping, adventurous hikes, and traveling. His favorite bird is the hummingbird, and his favorite place in nature is Yosemite.
Edeli Reyes grew up in Mecca, an unincorporated area located just north of the Salton Sea, and earned a degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz. Edeli looks forward to building a stronger relationship with the local community and environment. Edeli’s favorite bird is the Loggerhead Shrike, and their favorite place in nature is Carrizo Canyon.
Gisselle Lockley loves taking care of her pets, hanging out with friends, and learning about biology. Her favorite bird is a hummingbird because it has always been part of her life and culture, and her favorite place in nature is the UC Berkeley camp she attended in the National Pluma Forest. Giselle’s favorite birds are hummingbirds, and her favorite place in nature is the National Pluma Forest.
Kevin Manajero enjoys hiking, listening to music, and playing video games in his free time. His favorite bird is the Great Blue Heron, and his favorite place in nature is Yosemite National Park.
Larissa Olenicoff Sinclair is a travel writer and digital storyteller with a background in destination marketing and tourism development. Having traveled to more than 75 countries and lived in the UK, Sweden, Ukraine, and Kosovo, she brings a global perspective to her local work.
Monse Zamora is a recent CSUSB graduate in Communications and is working on personal and career growth after college. Monse’s favorite bird is the Atlantic Puffin, and her favorite place in nature is the beach.
Carlos Garcia enjoys hiking, running, and thrifting. His favorite birds are the Red-tailed Hawk and Western Burrowing Owl, and his favorite place in nature is Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
Drawn to the Salton Sea and the Coachella Valley’s diverse ecology? If you’re in the area, be sure to follow along on Instagram for highlights from the 2026 Salton Sea Leadership Program cohort’s journey, and stay tuned for future events, opportunities to join a future cohort, and other ways to get involved.
