Department of Applied Environmental Science
ENSTU Alumna Named GrizzlyCorps Fellow
Candi Rivera (Whitehead) an Environmental Studies alumna, was selected as the GrizzlyCorps Fellow for the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District. The GrizzlyCorps is an AmeriCorps fellowship through UC Berkeley and CaliforniaVolunteers that places students in rural California communities to promote regenerative agri-food systems and fire and forest resilience
We recently touched base with Candi to learn more about her work and how her experience at CSUMB has helped her on her current career pathway.
What year did you graduate from CSU Monterey Bay?
2021
What was your major?
Environmental Studies
Did you obtain any additional degrees and/or certifications after receiving your bachelor's degree at CSUMB?
Yes
If so, please list your accomplishments below, along with the university/organization you received them from.
Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certified.
What is your current position? Please provide background information on your job title, duties, and workplace.
I am this year's GrizzlyCorps Fellow at Western Shasta Resource Conservation District (RCD). There are other Grizzlies all over the state from San Diego to Yreka! I am here to help with anything the project managers need. My main focus will be doing outreach in the community, such as going to community events, attending trainings and planning a project or two with the CollegeCorps volunteers.
Did your experience as a science student contribute to your current career pathway? If so, please explain.
Yes, when I moved to the area at the beginning of 2023, thanks to my service learning course and capstone course and other job experience, I was drawn toward looking for work at nonprofits, the RCD, and some other ones. I found the Grizzly Corps program through the Western Shasta RCD website when I was looking for a new job in Shasta County.
What was your favorite course in the undergraduate program and why?
It is very hard to pick a favorite! I think that my capstone class with Dr. Dan is one of my favorites. We did a class group project with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County and other partners for Safe Routes to School. It was one of my first hybrid classes. We all came together as a class to gather data in Salinas for safer routes to school and made the final report. We experienced a hiccup in the plans due to severe flooding. The overall experience has greatly helped me in my career so far because I gained an understanding of how projects can go really smoothly, or not! Just have to adapt to what is going on. I fully admit that at the time I felt like I had no idea what I was doing! The class is one that likely helps me every day because I learned so much helpful information and context about community projects and it built my confidence.
Are there any specific skills that you gained while at CSUMB that have helped contribute to your current success?
All of my professors at CSUMB and at College of the Redwoods gave me different tools to remain open minded and to be a lifelong learner.
Congratulations on the position, Candi! We look forward to seeing where your professional endeavors take you!