Gallegos holds a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences focused on Ecology and Evolutionary Theory from the University of Texas, El Paso, and a Master of Science degree in Range and Wildlife Management from Sul Ross State University. 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, where she worked on several conservation issues including the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Antiquities Act of 2019.

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

Gallegos will plan, execute, and oversee a portfolio of public lands conservation projects, cultivate relationships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts and engage in advocacy efforts to promote policies and regulations that protect communities, ecosystems, and biodiversity, and establish clear program objectives and key performance indicators.

“Brenda is a very knowledgeable and passionate environmental conservationist and community advocate,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access. “She is just the person we need to manage our public lands conservation program and expand it to have a much greater impact, reach, and positive impact on Latino communities.

Hispanic Access’ conservation program seeks to elevate diverse Latino voices and leaders to support Latino communities to advocate for the environmental issues that directly affect their daily lives. To learn more about the conservation program, visit https://hispanicaccess.org/what-we-do/conservation.