Gonzalez, Jose
Jose Gonzalez
José González is an accomplished educator whose passion for education, the arts, conservation, and the environment has left an indelible mark on formal and informal education settings. He is a seasoned educator whose extensive career spans roles such as a K-12 public school teacher, an advisor in environmental education, an instructor and coordinator for outdoor education, and an adjunct faculty member at universities. He is a Partner at Avarna Group, a nonprofit dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ). He is also the visionary behind Latino Outdoors, a nonprofit that links families and young individuals with the natural world. As he spearheads the growth of Latino Outdoors, González’s goal is to forge partnerships with organizations that share his vision of enhancing diversity within outdoor and conservation programs.
“How would the person you would like to be do what you are about to do? How are you being a future ancestor? Si se puede, pero hazlo.” - José Gonzalez, 2023
Garibay, Cecilia, Lannes, Patricia, González, José. 2017. Latino Audiences: Embracing Complexity. Exploratorium. https://www.exploratorium.edu/sites/default/files/2023-05/Genial_Latino_… González, José. April, 10, 2019. How to meet a flower. Bay Nature. https://baynature.org/2019/04/10/how-to-meet-a-flower/
González, José. April 18, 2020. Border communities deserve protection. Santa Fe New Mexican. https://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/border-communities-des…
González, José. May 25, 2020. Los costos desiguales de un cierre parejo. High Country News. https://www.hcn.org/articles/en-espanol-los-costos-desiguales-de-un-cier….
Taylor, Kelly D., González, José G., Razani, Nooshin. 2021. Justice in access to the outdoors. Parks Stewardship Forum, 37(1). https://doi.org/10.5070/P537151705
José González was born in Mexico in 1981, but at the young age of 9, González and his family made the transformative decision to migrate to the U.S., settling in the picturesque Central Valley of California. This transition marked a significant shift in his relationship with nature, as he moved from a place where the outdoors was simply “outside” to a land where he would come to appreciate the thrill of “traveling to the outdoors.”
A sixth-grade field trip to the giant sequoias was a pivotal turning point for González. The life-altering experience of encountering the towering trees for the first time ignited his passion for the natural world.
González completed his high school education at Turlock High School. González first attended Modesto Jr. College, earning his Associate of Arts in Behavioral and Social Studies in 2002. His passion for history led him to the University of California, Davis, where he graduated with honors and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2004. He earned his teaching credential in social studies through California State University, Sacramento’s Bilingual Multicultural Education Department in 2005.
Eager to further his understanding of environmental issues and sustainable practices, González continued his studies at the University of Michigan, specializing in Behavior, Education, and Communication at the School of Natural Resources & Environment, now the School for Environment and Sustainability. He graduated in 2009 with a well-rounded education and a profound understanding of environmental matters.
González is an experienced and passionate educator, artist, science communicator, and organizer. His career has been a tapestry of diverse experiences, each contributing to his depth of knowledge and advocacy. González began working while in college. From 2000 to 2002, he was a lab technician and teaching assistant at Turlock Adult School, supporting English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. From 2000 to 2002, he was also a Program Leader for Infinity Rocketters at the City of Turlock Police Services. In 2001, González worked at Modesto Junior College as a teaching assistant and tutor.
With a background as a K-12 public education teacher, he imparted knowledge and nurtured young minds to become environmentally conscious citizens. After earning his teaching credential in 2005, González taught history and general education at Woodland Joint Unified School District until 2007. Starting in 2006, González was an instructor at Feather River College and a Team Leader for the California Mini-Corps.
While pursuing his master’s at the University of Michigan, he worked part-time as a field instructor, instructing science education methods and pedagogy to credential candidates.
After completing his master’s degree, González returned to California, where he joined the faculty at Eastside College Preparatory School, teaching U.S. History and Spanish to the school’s underrepresented students. From 2010 to 2012, González was the San José State University Program Coordinator for the California Mini Corps. He continued teaching at Feather River College until 2011. From 2011 to 2013, González was an adjunct faculty member at The National Hispanic University in San José, California, educating the next generation of environmental leaders.
In 2012, González became a Butler Joshland Fellow at Radio Bilingue, responsible for outreach, social media, community building, and development. In 2013, he left Radio Bilingue and started working as the Latino Outreach and Education Organizer at Tuolumne River Trust.
As an environmental education advisor, González provided crucial insights and guidance, helping organizations and institutions create impactful programs that bridge the gap between people and nature. As an outdoor education instructor and coordinator, he embodied the essence of hands-on, experiential learning, bringing people closer to the environment through immersive outdoor experiences. His impact extended beyond the classroom as he passionately advocated for environmental education, firmly believing that connecting people with the natural world was crucial for fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
González is the driving force behind Latino Outdoors, a nonprofit he established in 2013 with the mission of fostering connections between families, young individuals, and the natural environment. Through his organization, his primary goal is to create an interconnected network of nature-inclusive groups that transcend racial, gender, orientation, socio-economic, and religious boundaries.
González envisions Latino Outdoors supporting local community-based organizations while nurturing a nationwide movement of nature enthusiasts. Under his guidance, this initiative has flourished, celebrating the cultural diversity within Latino communities and fostering a stronger connection between these communities and conservation efforts. González’s leadership has made remarkable strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the environmental sector. In 2016, his work was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation with the National Conservation Education Award.
Beyond his role with Latino Outdoors, González is constantly exploring innovative avenues for building bridges between communities and environmental conservation through his role at Avarna Group. His tireless work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the environmental field is a testament to his dedication to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.
His insights on diversity, environmental engagement, and Chicano and Latino identities are in publications like High Country News, Outside, Earth Island Journal, and Latino USA. Additionally, he has actively participated in partnerships and collaborative efforts with institutions, including the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Park Service.
He has received prestigious recognitions, including the National Wildlife Foundation’s National Conservation Education Award, the Kenji Award, and the Murie Center’s Rising Leader Award. Numerous news agencies such as Outside Magazine, The Hill, Sacramento Bee, and NBC News have documented his remarkable contributions to the environmental movement.
González’s career demonstrates his dedication, advocacy, and commitment to making a positive impact on both the environment and the community. One of the standout highlights of his professional journey was a visit to the White House during the Obama Administration. This visit was particularly significant as it celebrated the designation of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. González played a pivotal role in achieving the designation, reflecting his efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the United States.
Always looking to celebrate and promote diversity, González organized a 2016 White House film screening. This special event featured “Estamos Aqui,” a powerful film created by Latino Outdoors, during National Hispanic Heritage Month. This showcased González’s passion for inclusivity and their ability to engage in meaningful dialogue on important issues.
In 2021, González co-founded The Outdoorist Oath, an environmental organization dedicated to empowering people to support the planet, inclusion, and adventure. Through his work at The Oath, González continues to educate and advance environmental responsibility and engagement, emphasizing that adventure and enjoying the outdoors looks different for everyone.
González’s life story is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the environmental movement. His unwavering dedication to education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship is a source of inspiration for all who seek to protect and preserve our planet for generations to come.
Throughout his academic and professional journey, González had the privilege of being guided by inspiring mentors who played a pivotal role in shaping his path and passion for environmental advocacy. Notably, his mentors included several distinguished professors from the University of Michigan, who showed special appreciation for the guidance and insights provided by Julia Wondolleck and Stever Yaffee. Under their mentorship, González gained a deep understanding of environmental issues and the strategies needed to address them, paving the way for their career in this field.
Another influential figure in González’s life was Hugo Morales, the visionary founder of Radio Bilingue. Under his guidance, González found inspiration and valuable insights into community engagement, the power of storytelling, and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the environmental arena. Morales’s mentorship left an indelible mark on González’s approach to advocacy and community involvement.
González’s mentorship and teachings have left an enduring legacy in academia, shaping the perspectives of countless students who now carry his passion and commitment into their careers. González’s commitment to mentorship goes beyond his own experiences as a mentee. As the founder of Latino Outdoors, he took on a mentoring role for the organization’s first cohort of leaders. This experience allowed him to share their knowledge, passion, and insights, empowering others to carry the torch of environmental advocacy and inclusivity. Through this role, González continues to inspire and guide emerging leaders, fostering a community of dedicated environmental stewards.
As a junior high school teacher, González had the opportunity to mentor “at-risk youth” directly. In this role, he provided guidance, support, and encouragement to young individuals facing various challenges, helping them navigate the complexities of adolescence and build a brighter future. His dedication to mentorship extended beyond the classroom, and he made a meaningful impact on the lives of his students.
González’s commitment to mentoring also extended to speaking at several Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program convenings. He offered guidance and insights into the environmental field by sharing his knowledge and experiences with aspiring scholars. This mentoring experience allowed him to play a vital role in shaping the future of environmental research and advocacy by nurturing the talents and passions of young scholars.
González offers some profound advice that reflects his wisdom and perspective on life: “How would the person you would like to be do what you are about to do?” (2023). This question challenges us to reflect on our actions and decisions. It encourages us to align our behavior with the values, aspirations, and principles that we hold dear. By considering how our future self would approach a situation, we can make choices that lead us toward becoming the person we want to be.
“How are you being a future ancestor?” González’s question prompts us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations (2023). It encourages us to act in a way that leaves a positive legacy, making choices that benefit us and those who will come after us. It reminds us of our responsibility to leave our descendants a better world.
“Si se puede, pero hazlo.” Translated as “Yes, it’s possible, but do it,” this statement is a powerful call to action (2023). It’s a reminder that potential means little without action. It encourages us to overcome doubt and hesitation and take the steps needed to achieve our goals. “Si se puede” embodies the spirit of determination and resilience, emphasizing that with effort and commitment, almost anything is possible.
José G. González. n.d. Bio & Resume. http://www.José gagonzalez.com/bio–resume.html
José Gonzalez. n.d. Home [LinkedIn Page]. LinkedIn. Retrieved September 19, 2023 from https://www.linkedin.com/in/José ggonzalez/.
Survey and interviews conducted by Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative staff. 2022-2023. Yale University-School of the Environment. New Haven, Connecticut.
UCLA. n.d. José Gonzalez. Retrieved September 19, 2023 from https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/.
Wyn Wylie