June 4, 1999
By Kaarina Merikaarto
Environmental science students from sophomores in college to Ph.D candidates and recent graduates, joined environmental professionals, corporate America, and state, local and federal government agencies in San Jose CA April 25-27, 1999. The 4th Annual National Hispanic Sustainable Energy and Environmental Conference, hosted by the National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) consisted of three days of field trips, workshops, banquets and a career fair where students and professionals interacted both informally and formally. The conference also focused on key environmental and health issues affecting Hispanic communities throughout the US.
The NHEC mission is to "promote and expand the role of Hispanics in key environmental decision-making... where policies are being made that affect our community. Particularly, work to ensure that the major national environmental organizations, federal agencies, and other entities have Hispanic representation..." Their goal is to dispel any myths that Hispanics do not care about or are not involved with environmental issues, and to emphasize Hispanics who work every day in environmental fields. Their guiding credo is "because it's our environment too!"
The National Park Service (NPS) was a major sponsor of the conference. NPS employees from around the country attended to share information, exchange ideas, and to find future NPS employees and encourage students to explore park sites. The NPS manages 378 important cultural and natural park sites throughout the United States. Diane Spriggs, Equal Opportunity Officer, National Park Service stated the importance of this opportunity to the NPS, "It is critical that the NPS get the best of the mix of qualified Americans out there. When folks (park managers) say they can't find (candidates), in this case qualified Hispanics and Latinos, then that excuse is gone because they are here."
The tangible thing is contact. The NPS is known by 250 bright, young, talented individuals (conference attendees) who now have insight into the NPS, our mission, career opportunities, and as visitors and ambassadors to stewardship," stated Josie Fernandez, Superintendent Women's Right National Historic Park, Seneca Falls, NY." NPS recruiters accepted resumes from conference attendees and are sharing those resumes with park personnel offices throughout the United States.
Vidal Martinez, Superintendent Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Oyster Bay, NY and NPS' Conference Co-Coordinator emphasized, "...besides serving as a recruitment vehicle, the conference provides an excellent forum for Hispanic students to network, learn about current environmental issues and participate in a variety of workshops of which the majority of speakers were NPS personnel." Martinez was awarded the NHEC Achievement Award for his "leadership role in preserving our environment, outstanding record of achievements and as a role model to our community."
This conference has a "great benefit in allowing me to (meet) key officials in public policy and various agencies in the Federal Government who are installing plans to hire minorities and diversify the workforce. It is about community and understanding each other," stated John Rodriguez, New Mexico Institute for Mining and Technology. Rodriguez was attracted to the NPS recruitment booth because the NPS employees were "really attentive and took a real interest in the students. NPS will get quite a few interested students because of their charisma and sincere characteristics."
"The students are passionate, devoted, inspired and inspiring," emphasized Roger Rivera, NHEC President. Rivera could be seen surrounded by students answering questions, listening intently to their ideas and dreams, guiding them through the process and introducing them to professionals. At this conference the students were the main focus, so it was not uncommon for Rivera to politely pause in conversation with a colleague or professional to direct his attention at a waiting student.
While 500 students applied only 250 students were accepted to attend this conference. Their travel, accommodation and meals were covered by scholarships. Scholarship funds are developed from the fees charged agencies to attend the conference and through sponsorship donations by agencies like the NPS. It is an opportunity for employers to showcase their career opportunities while meeting a large group of qualified and talented people.
"Conferences like this one provide a needed avenue to connect NPS managers to interested Hispanic students, and expose students to the NPS role in environmental issues. It also gives students insight into the myriad of exciting and diverse career opportunities in the NPS," stated John Reynolds, Pacific West Regional Director, National Park Service. "National Park Service Director, Robert Stanton, signed a five year agreement with NHEC committing the NPS to environmental education initiatives and outreach efforts to Hispanic communities and organizations regarding our mission." Students and professionals from all levels of management had a chance to sit down together, and talk about the issues that are vitally important to this country. They provide an example of how our communities can work together.
To learn more about individual park sites, or opportunities for employment with the National Park Service visit our web site at www.nps.gov, and students interested in applying for the conference should contact NHEC at www.incacorp.com/nhec_nheec.
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