ABOUT US

Our Mission

We Explore Earth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting individual well-being and environmental stewardship through various outdoor experiences, education on 'Protect Mother Earth' principles, and recognition of indigenous cultures. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we strive to make a positive impact on both people and the planet.

BIPOC & Diversity is in our Nature.

WEE are a Diverse group of individuals,

Providing Diverse nature experiences & impacts,

Alongside diverse indigenous tribes in one of the most Bio-Diverse parts of the planet.

About

We are committed to promoting environmental education, conservation, and personal well-being through outdoor experiences for underprivileged youth, families and those seeking an outlet for their physical and spiritual well-being in the Southern California region. Our organization hosts 6+ monthly events annually, which reach an average of 1000-1400 participants from low income, urban and rural communities. These events provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage with nature, learn about the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.

The Experiences

Through We Explore Earth experiences which consist of outdoor education, guidance into beginning their outdoors journeys on a path from the origin communities and personal growth opportunities. Each experience includes an educational component, challenging participants mentally, physically, and spiritually. Our goal is to empower individuals to embrace their paths, strengthen their spirits and thrive while learning about exploration, conservation and environmental stewardship.

Explore With Us

MEET YOUR ORGS TEAM

William Vazquez - Founder / President

Hi everyone, my name is William Vazquez Perez, the founder of WeExploreEarth. I was born on earth and raised by two hard-working Mexican immigrants. My passion for nature and exploration led me to start this organization, rooted in my desire to unite people and protect the planet.

I gained valuable experience working in events and fundraising, starting with an internship at Jimmy Kimmel Live and working in the music industry at Dim Mak and Insomniac Events. These experiences helped shape me into the person I am today and allowed me to bring WeExploreEarth to life.

I'm grateful for the support of the community and my team of volunteers as we work together to explore, thrive, and protect Mother Earth. Let's continue our journey of exploration and preservation together. Carpe Diem, every day!

William Vazquez

Alicia Gallarzo - Content Creator / Photographer/ Arts Curator

I'm Alicia Gallarzo, 27 years old and born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I have many passions like sustainability, photography, filmmaking, art, scuba diving, and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. I connected with We Explore Earth (WEE) through a fellow hiker, I enjoyed the community and opportunities to learn about outdoor activities and sustainability. I look forward to helping WEE spread more awareness and information about living sustainably and volunteering to help the community. I am excited to connect and give back to the community by spreading awareness and opportunities for others to not only experience the outdoors but to learn about ways we can nurture mother earth so that we can all thrive together.

Armando - Videographer / Team Member

Armando Rodriguez, or 'Mando' is a 35-year-old Mexican native, currently residing in Ontario, California. His passions include landscape and portrait photography, and cinematography. He is also deeply passionate about exploring nature and has had a lifelong connection with the outdoors. He's excited to be part of We Explore Earth's movement and document their journey with his lens. He is particularly looking forward to the wide variety of events that We Explore Earth offers, with his expertise in photography and cinematography, Mando is sure to capture the beauty and excitement of every event and moment.

Michel - Events / Spiritual Authority Coach

"My name is Michel, a 22-year-old Latina from Guatemala, currently living in Los Angeles. I've always enjoyed challenging myself and indulged in sports and activities like hiking, roller skating, and bungee jumping. I also started to explore more body activation activities like pottery, yoga, breathwork and embodiment practices. I was introduced to We Explore Earth (WEE) through a friend, I enjoyed helping the environment and was embraced with kindness and gratitude by the team. My favorite thing about WEE is the adventure and something to learn. I am looking forward to volunteering more and coordinating with the WEE team to show up for the wildlife and the community by taking care of their habitat.

Franscisco - Board / Adventure Team Member

My name is Francisco, a 50-year-old originally from Cuernavaca Mexico, currently living in Arizona for the past 23 years. I discovered my passion for the outdoors when I moved to Arizona. In 2019, I left everything behind and started my hiking sabbatical for two and a half years. Being outside recharges my soul, it makes me feel my body, emotions, and allows me to be myself. I learned to appreciate and cherish every moment and to never be afraid to push outside of my comfort zone. I learned about We Explore Earth (WEE) from a running group and I was immediately interested. WEE provides a safe and inclusive community for everyone to discover new passions, learn how to take care of Mother Earth, build community and be creative. My goal for this year is to continue to help the team enrich the experiences offered and fundraising. Join us on our next adventure and create lifetime memories with the #WEETRIBE.

Noemi Rivera - Yogi / Events Team Member

My name is Noemi Rivera, a 28-year-old from Los Angeles. I discovered We Explore Earth (WEE) through a friend and now I am the official resident Yogi and Ambassador for WEE. I have a background in Public Health and I've been practicing yoga for 10 years. I love combining hiking with yoga and I am looking forward to doing more hike + yoga collabs with the outdoor community and introducing yoga to first-timers through WEE."

Meet Anika

My name is Anika, a 23-year-old from Whittier, CA. I am passionate about fighting climate change, veganism, reproductive rights, and social justice issues. I connected with We Explore Earth (WEE) through a mutual friend, as I am an advocate for environmental conservation and have been raised to respect nature. Although I am new to the team, I am already impressed by the passion and hard work of the team and I am looking forward to learning more about WEE and contributing in any way I can. I am currently enrolled in a Master's program in Professional Communication and preparing for my wedding in July 2023. Outside of WEE, my favorite thing about nature is its versatility and resilience.

Jacky - Board / Events Team Member

Jacky, a 31-year-old from Rosemead who is passionate about helping others and our planet. Jacky joined We Explore Earth in 2021 after being captivated by our content on Instagram. Jacky loves the community and connection formed through exploring the beauty of our planet and caring for it through events like cleanups. Jacky is excited for more growth, connections, and adventures with We Explore Earth in 2023. Jacky values the healing power of nature and the love shared in the outdoors community.

Jen Tokash - Hike Leader / Board & Events Team Membe

Hi everyone, I'm Jen Tokash, a 45-year-old California native who has lived in Texas and NYC. I'm an avid hiker, runner, and beginner climber who loves nature and practices the 7 Leave No Trace principles. I've been with We Explore Earth since a Coastal Cleanup in September 2021 and have gone on hikes with them in Death Valley and Zion, including my favorite, Angel's Landing. Looking forward to exploring more trails and making an impact.

David Rios - Physicists / Earth & Space Teacher / Events Team Member

David Rios, 32, born and raised in SoCal, is passionate about art, music, and science. He heard about WEE through friend William Vasquez, the founder, and loves the organization's passion for preserving Earth. David believes education and awareness through outdoor experiences is the best way to secure the planet's future. He is a professional by day and a student of physics by night, finding mental clarity and rejuvenation in nature and being connected to the earth.

Emilio

Emilio, 29, from San Gabriel. Passionate about running, films, political theory, and books. Connected with We Explore Earth through a childhood friend and its founder, excited about the organization's growth and collective solidarity. Volunteer work interests include beach and hiking cleanups. Loves nature for its peaceful escape from busy life. Looking forward to meeting new people and making a positive impact.

Tristan - Social Media / Marketing / Event Creator Team Member

Aloha, I'm Tristan, a 37-year-old from San Dimas. I'm passionate about hiking, painting, and making every day better. I've worked in healthcare, marketing, and social media. I joined We Explore Earth (WEE) through a trail clean-up event and was welcomed like family. The group has provided me with amazing experiences and a sense of community. I volunteer for WEE to give back and I'm excited for the great things coming in 2023. Cheers to WEE!

About us - your team