MEet the growing TEAM:

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Hi fam! I’m Yvonne Temal, Vice President of We Explore Earth and founder of Hiking on Purpose (WEE's Women's Department). 

I'm a proud Latina born and raised in Orange County, California, to Mexican and Guatemalan parents who instilled in me a deep love for nature, adventure and community from a young age. Although it wasn’t until my 20's that I truly reconnected with the outdoors as a source of healing, that foundation shaped the path I (gratefully) walk today.

I’m the Head of the Women’s Department and one of the lead facilitators for We Explore Earth, where my passion for community building, wellness, and mental health through outdoor experiences runs deep. In 2015, I began leading women-only hikes throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, creating intentional spaces for connection, healing, and empowerment. That work grew into Hiking On Purpose, which has since merged with WEE and now lives on as our Women’s Department.

My heart is especially rooted in advocating for mental health awareness, chronic illness, wounded veterans, and the dignity, treatment, and well being of all people (and animals). I believe access to healing, nature, and belonging should never be a privilege, but a right.

Alongside the tribe, I’m committed to cultivating inclusive, brave, and welcoming spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, each other, and Mother Earth. I look forward to continuing to help We Explore Earth grow as a movement that empowers individuals to find strength, joy, and purpose through shared outdoor experiences and collective care.

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.

I’m a life purpose coach dedicated to helping individuals fine-tune their voice, uncover truth in their experiences, and nurture both their bodies and past versions of themselves. Through my workshops, I guide people toward their highest self and empower them to live authentically. My journey has led me to collaborate with We Explore Earth, naturopathic healers, and embrace gardening as a way to honor all living things—learning from nature’s lessons of love, growth, persistence, and strength.

Nature has shown me that anything is possible. That’s why summiting mountains and backpacking aren’t just hobbies—they’re a way of life. I share wellness tips, medicinal herbs, and inspiring stories through my podcast, creating spaces for others to connect deeply with themselves and Mother Earth. My mission is to inspire transformation, adventure, and purpose. See you on the trails, where the journey begins! 

Hey everyone! I’m Jon Obregon, 31 years old, born and raised in South El Monte, California. I’ve been around We Explore Earth almost since the very beginning, and it’s been amazing to watch it grow into the vibrant community it is today. I’m a certified naturalist with a serious love for adventure—traveling, hiking, off-roading, camping, and fishing just about anywhere you can imagine: deep sea, beach, mountain lakes, creeks, even fly fishing. If there’s water and a rod, I’m there!

What excites me most about WEE is helping people connect with nature and each other. Whether it’s sharing tips on fishing, exploring trails, or just enjoying the outdoors, I love helping others experience the magic of the natural world. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s all about adventure, learning, and building a stronger community around the things we love most—nature and each other.

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.

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.

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."

I'm Jen Tokash, a California native in my 40s who loves hiking, running, and teaching yoga (RYT-200). Being outdoors is my passion, and I always practice the 7 Leave No Trace principles, aiming to leave places better than I found them. You might spot me on the trail with my trusty trash bucket.

I've been part of We Explore Earth since a Coastal Cleanup in September 2021. A big thank you to We Explore Earth for being such a welcoming community.

I’ve joined them on hikes in LA, Death Valley, and Zion. Some of my favorites have been Angel's Landing, where we spotted a condor, and Mt. Whitney, where we had a mountain lion sighting. Happy trails! 

Hello everyone! My name is Lara Estela. I am 29 years old and was born and raised in Los Angeles. I am a proud volunteer of the WEE org! I first joined the organization on one of the hiking expeditions and quickly learned how welcoming the community is.

I have a strong love for mother nature and hope that through WEE I can continue to learn more about her and help others too. There is a quiet magic in the outdoors that I believe everyone deserves to experience. I’m driven by a desire to ensure these landscapes remain vibrant and accessible, fostering a generation of stewards who love the earth as much as I do. From hiking and backpacking to climbing, I am fond of all the avenues we can use to educate others and foster community!

Hi everyone! My name is Rosa Escobosa and I am 39 years old! I was born in DTLA and grew up in Baldwin Park. I am in love with living in this city, and grateful for the diversity we are blessed with here in So Cal. I am a nature adventurer at heart and have always felt a deeper connection to my self and our earth when I am exploring the outdoors. I strongly believe that nature is healing - physically, mentally and spiritually. When I found WEE, it felt serendipitous - a group who volunteers in nature and community, and vibes while giving back to our planet!? Yes, please! I look forward to continuing to support the tribe, growing as a lead in my own journey, and connecting others to this wonderful outdoors community.

Hey guys, I’m Gabriel Barrera just Gabe is cool, 26 years old, born and raised in the valley. I grew up camping every summer with my family, which is where my love for being outdoors started. As I got older, I met more people who shared that same love for hiking and camping. During COVID, I really started getting into hiking since the only place I wanted to be was outside instead of stuck at home, so my friends and I were out in Malibu almost every day exploring the trails. Being in nature helps me slow down and clear my mind, and I’m excited to meet more like-minded people who want to join WEE and help us preserve nature as a tribe! 

Peace to all, I am Leslie Giselle Mendoza, 25 years old from Los Angeles California. I joined WEE in 2025 and it is such an amazing team surrounded by great people. I am very passionate about life! An outdoor enthusiast, a photographer, an emphatic, a lover, and an adventurous. I love to play volleyball, tennis, yoga, roller skating and ice skating, and love love to travel. I am always on a mission to try and learn new things. Excited to continue this journey in exploring, pursuing my goals and dreams, discovering new adventures, creating new memories and friends. Of course doing it all with love and for the Lord. "Let all you do be done with love" - 1Corinthians16:14.

Hello tribe, my names Genesis Arellano but you can call me Gen. I am 32 years old from sunny Los Angeles. I began to explore the outdoors after my first baby was born and only because I wanted to get my steps in ha! However I was forced to slow down and really see how beautiful our world is and how much we need to care for it. Protecting the outdoors and being a good steward of the land is now deeply rooted in how I want to mother and the legacy I want to leave for my children. I hope my input in the outdoors community is to make others always feel welcome and inspire many to get outdoors. I look forward to being a part of We Explore Earth and cant wait for whats ahead! 

Hello, My name is Erick Andino.  I'm 42 y/o and proud L.A native. 1st generation of my family to be born here. From life's battles and traumas I have found my church in nature and see being outside submerged in nature is like walking through our creators living art gallery. There is adventure,  healing,  connection out there so thats where I like to be when possible. I love WEE because it encompasses all that is nature. From getting outside, cleaning it and protecting it. Knowledge of the original people that walked and called these lands home long before any of us did. 

Hello, my name is Christian Escobar, I’m 29 years old and was born and raised in Pasadena, California. My passion for the outdoors began at an early age exploring the San Gabriels, Santa Monicas, and the local forests surrounding my area. I love to bodysurf, bodyboard, fish, as well as day-hiking and backpacking. My mission for the team is to help introduce, support, and nurture the love of the outdoors to individuals and communities with limited access to or knowledge about these extremely beautiful, powerful, and sacred spaces. Volunteering allows me to spread my knowledge as well as learn from others with so much knowledge and love for our community. Connecting with Mother Earth means remembering where we came from and reconnecting with ourselves. I have strong faith in our team and our mission! 

Hi! My name is Diana Gonzalez, 44 years old, born and raised in the SGV. My passion for hiking began in my mid 20’s. I was constantly taking photos on my hikes totally unaware of the plants and animals that were right in front of me. That prompted me to take the docent training class at Eaton Canyon in 2012 which sparked my love for the native plants. From there I became more motivated to get into backpacking and ended up taking the Wilderness Travel Course in 2016. The skills I learned from that class have been so invaluable on my many hikes, camping trips and backpacking trips. I am very passionate about taking care of the land and for the last three years have been part of two different trail maintenance crews helping to restore and care for trails on a weekly basis. WEE became part of my life early in 2025 when I attended a Mojave camping experience with the group. Such an amazing group of supportive generous people. After that I knew that I wanted to volunteer with this group and to be able to share my knowledge however I can to help such an awesome group!  

Edwin Flores was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Puebla, Mexico-an experience that shaped his resilience, adaptability, and sense of community. He finds clarity and strength in the outdoors, where hiking, backpacking, and camping serve as tools for growth, reflection, and connection.

Through his volunteer work with We Explore Earth, Edwin has found a community he considers family. Growing alongside them, he continues to learn new outdoor skills while helping others overcome fear, build confidence, and achieve their hiking and backpacking goals. He values safety, encouragement, and shared learning, believing the strongest outdoor experiences are built through trust, support, and connection.

Being outdoors feels like home to me. Nature grounds me, reconnects me with my inner child, and reminds me to follow what brings excitement, curiosity, and presence. My love for dogs has deepened that connection, teaching me to move through the world with gratitude and joy. I’m grateful to be part of We explore Earth. I am returning with renewed intention to give back, show up fully, and make a positive impact within the community.

Dalila Sánchez, 32 Santa Ana

Hey Will,

Here’s my team member bio. Sorry for the delay!

“Hey WEE Fam! My name is Jess Zelaya! I’m 32 and the outdoors have been a huge part of my life since I was a child. My family would take us camping every year and my love for nature was instilled into my heart since then.  When I discovered WEE, it felt like a second outdoor family. I really love the work we do and I look forward to contributing further for cleanups, Gratitude Group, and We Serve Love events! Let’s continue to  protect our Mother Earth and be her stewards 🌎💚”

Also if you could link me the volunteer sign up sheet that would be great! 

Thanks and hope to see you all soon 😀

-Jess Zelaya