Born and raised in El Paso, Texas Brenda grew up primarily focused on her studies. She was not initially exposed to the outdoors until her early teen years when she enjoyed several school fieldtrips and family vacations to Mexico. Her interest in science blossomed after failing a ninth-grade biology class, which pushed her to understand the subject and grow to love it.

Before coming to Hispanic Access Foundation, Brenda worked with New Mexico Specialized Wildlife Services as a biologist researching Montezuma quail. She later joined Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks as a Tribal VISTA, eventually becoming the Associate Director after finishing her service year. There, she worked on several conservation issues including the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the ANTIQUITIES Act of 2019. She also worked on introducing underprivileged youth to the outdoors by establishing an outdoor club at a local high school and outdoor summer programs with local organizations.

Brenda holds a bachelor of biological sciences degree focused on ecology and evolutionary theory from University of Texas, El Paso. She attended Sul Ross State University and graduated with a M.S. in range and wildlife management. Her master’s studies focused on scaled quail diets in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

”I fell in love with the nonprofit world at a young age, and I loved the idea of helping people while also protecting the earth and its beautiful creatures. I worked at a small nonprofit in New Mexico for a few years but felt I could be doing so much more. I have definitely hit the jackpot with Hispanic Access Foundation given the spectrum of work we do.”

In her spare time…

“I love watching any murder, mystery, cult, or historical TV series or movie. I also love to spend time with my partner, our daughter, and our dog, Olaf.”

Her favorite book…

“My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice. I love any Jane Austen book; her strong perspective on women at the time is fascinating. It was quite controversial in its day.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“I consider Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez an inspirational person. Watching her grow over the past few years, listen to the community, and stand up for what is right gives me hope for the future.”