Honoring Tradition, Building Resilience: My Journey as a USDA NextGen Intern and Launch of the Food, Energy, and Water Resource Pages at the Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes).
I’m not your traditional student. I’m a mother of three (two in college and one a high school senior), who returned to school after years of working, parenting, and navigating life’s twists and turns. Today, I’m pursuing a degree in Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University, driven by a deep commitment to natural, holistic healing and a vision for a more just and nourishing food future.
Before college, I was inspired by my stepfather, a longtime chef in the Bay Area, to attend culinary school. I went on to run my own catering business for several years, until the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to pivot. Though I still love cooking, my focus has shifted toward understanding the benefits and hazards of what we consume, and how we can build nutrient-dense, sustainable food systems for generations to come.
When I first saw the opportunity to become a USDA NextGen intern, I wondered how I could juggle a full-time job, school, and an internship. But I took the leap, and four semesters later, I’m still here, working virtually with the Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes) to support the resource pages project that uplifts Indigenous knowledge and strengthens community resilience.
My Work at IRes and NextGen Experience
As a NextGen intern at the Indigenous Resilience Center, my work has included the newly launched Food, Energy, and Water Resource pages, and I participated in the IRes Blessing and Grand Opening. I’ve also had the opportunity to research local farms, participate in USDA NextGen cohort meetups, attend the USDA Climate Symposium, and participate in Model USDA 2025, a learning simulation that brings together students from across the country to step into the roles of USDA leaders and stakeholders and tackle real-world food and agricultural policy challenges.
This experience has helped me develop a range of professional and technical skills, including website design, image editing, content strategy, and resource development, which have supported my growth as a student and contributor to community resilience efforts.
Why This Matters
I was drawn to IRes because I wanted to learn more about Indigenous traditions and their approaches to food, energy, and water. Indigenous communities hold deep wisdom about how to live in harmony with the land, wisdom that is vital to sustaining our natural systems.
Supporting Indigenous communities means protecting their knowledge, honoring their practices, and integrating their insights into today’s innovations. My work is guided by compassion, collaboration, and respect, values that are essential to building a more equitable and sustainable world.
The Resource Pages
These resource pages were created to provide pathways for learning, connection, and support:
These pages are for students, faculty, organizations, and anyone seeking to learn more about Indigenous systems or access support in these areas.
A Moment That Stands Out
One of the most meaningful moments of my internship was attending the IRes Grand Opening. It was a sacred experience, full of beauty, wisdom, and community. I will always carry this moment with me as a reminder of why this work matters.
A Final Message
I invite you to explore the Food, Energy, and Water Resource pages and join us in honoring Indigenous knowledge. Your engagement, feedback, and collaboration are welcome and encouraged.
I hope that through these provided resources, we will continue the knowledge, wisdom, beauty, and practices of the Indigenous people and create a more sustainable environment for generations to come.
Together, we can build systems that nourish both people and planet.