MEET YOUR ORGS TEAM

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Hi fam, I'm Yvonne Temal, 38 years old, born and raised in Orange County, California. As the Head of the Women's Department and one of the main leads for We Explore Earth, my passion for introducing people to the outdoors community and integrating them into wellness activities for mental health runs deep. This commitment began in 2015 when I started leading women-only hikes in Orange County and LA then founding Hiking On Purpose which has since merged with WEE to become the women's department. This focus, particularly on women, is very close to my heart. In general, along with the tribe, I'm dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community and connection among people through shared outdoor experiences. I look forward to helping WEE continue to grow its inclusive community and empower individuals to discover the joy and benefits of connecting with Mother Earth and one another.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!