Welcome Renata: Q&A with the new EVOM coordinator

Written by Maria Burciaga-Alaniz, previously the EVOM Coordinator, now the EVOM Remote Marketing and Outreach Coordinator!

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The core of the Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement's mission, or EVOM, is to strengthen community and appreciation of nature. Community members and local organizations of the coalition, work everyday to offer shared outdoor experiences for people of all ages, abilities, and cultures.

In this article, Renata Araujo, the new EVOM coordinator, participates in a Q&A where she talks to us about her, her experiences outdoors and her goals with her new position. Please join us in warmly welcoming her to our Eagle County community and the EVOM team!

First question: Tell us a little about ... Who is Renata?

First of all, I am from Brazil, but I moved to the US 4 years ago. I’ve always liked and had curiosity about nature, especially about turtles and bees. I graduated with a degree in biology in Brazil in 2012 (I studied a semester abroad in Paraguay, where I learned to speak Spanish and to drink terere). I graduated in Plant and Wildlife Ecology from Brigham Young University in Idaho last April. During my studies in the US, I did internships in 4 different locations: in a camp in North Carolina, in a farm in Massachusetts, in the mountains in New Hampshire, and with sea turtles in Costa Rica. I’ve spent the last three months in Utah, living with my brother and his family, and working in a plant nursery. This is my first time in Colorado and I love the opportunities I have to explore the beauties of nature in this valley.

Second question: What is your favorite outdoor activity and / or your favorite hobby?

I love playing soccer. When I was younger, I dreamed about being a professional soccer player and playing in the women's world cup. When the pandemic is over, hopefully we will meet at the fields and courts playing soccer. My favorite outdoor activity is hiking, but I want to learn more about mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, snowboarding, and others.

Third question: What are you most excited about in your new role?

There are many things I am excited about this role. I love having contact with the people and being part of the community. But what I like the most about it is the opportunity to help people have more contact with nature and to practice more outdoor activities. As I said previously, I’ve always liked nature, but I haven’t had much contact with it before I started studying at the university in Brazil. I also did not have much access to outdoor activities when I was young because my parents did not have much knowledge about or practice with outdoor activities. I want to help people that feel what I felt when I was young to have access to nature and to outdoor activities today, now. I want people to feel comfortable and safe in nature. I want them to learn more about the importance of protecting the environment and I want them to teach their friends and family about these things.

Question Four: Where can people find or contact you?

People can find me in all EVOM community activities and at the MIRA bus on Tuesdays in Edwards and on Wednesdays in Avon from 12 through 2pm. People can contact me through my work phone number 970.827.9725 x 125 or through my email renataa@walkingmountains.org. There is also more information about EVOM and the programs at our Facebook page “Iniciativa EVOM.” Please, contact me if you have any questions or suggestions about the programs offered by EVOM.

Fifth and last question: Anything else you would like to share or reiterate?

Yes, only that the coalition is working together so that everyone has access to nature and outdoor activities. This pandemic season is certainly a good opportunity to reap the benefits of being outdoors by hiking, fishing, or doing other outdoor activities. So let's enjoy being outdoors together!