Our Team

Camilla Simon

Camilla Simon is the Executive Director for HECHO. She is passionate about elevating Latino voices in local, state and national conservation efforts, especially when it comes to accessing public lands.

Since she joined HECHO in November 2014, she has worked to broaden the definition of a conservationist, and elevate the importance of Hispanic/Latino generational ties to the land and what that knowledge can add to public policy debates around access to the outdoors and conservation of land, water, and air for future generations. To support this, she has led many advocacy efforts that brought Hispanic/Latino perspectives to the forefront of national conservation campaigns. Camilla also has cultivated a prolific guest blog series featuring Hispanic/Latino stories of connection to the outdoors, stewardship of natural resources for future generations, and conservation leadership.

In 2018, Camilla was instrumental in envisioning and forming a mutually beneficial partnership between HECHO and the National Wildlife Federation to collaborate authentically and intentionally lift up our aligned conservation missions to build a conservation movement that engages all communities in protecting the natural world for future generations. Through this partnership, Camilla is leading HECHO through the joint development and implementation of collaborative projects with the Federation family that bring financial resources, build capacity, and increase visibility for Hispanic/Latino conservation leaders across the nation.

Prior to joining HECHO, Camilla managed the distribution of over $20 million annually in conservation funds at a major foundation, aimed at increasing the capacity of local, regional, and national nonprofits. She also started the foundation’s first composting program to dramatically reduce landfill waste. She has also worked on a number of programs to connect children with nature.

Camilla graduated from Pacific University in Oregon with a degree in creative writing and literature; and then summa cum laude in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School. From 2014-2021, she served as Treasurer of the board of the nonprofit Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, which provides trail maintenance jobs, teaches traditional tool skills to new generations of stewards, and assists the recreating public. In 2020, she was appointed to the Virginia Board of Conservation and Recreation. Camilla lives in Virginia with her husband and two daughters, and is enjoying getting to know the outdoors on the East Coast after living most of her life in the west.

Daniela Zavala

Daniela Zavala is the Communications Director for HECHO. Daniela is an Emmy-Award-winning journalist and communications professional with a deep passion for the great outdoors, where she enjoys camping, hiking and making short films of natural wonders in the United States and abroad.

In her role with HECHO, Daniela is responsible for developing compelling messages and communications strategies to engage target audiences and advance the organization’s policy, advocacy and education campaigns. Her goal is to protect public lands, promote climate justice, inspire more Latinos to get outdoors as well as to get them involved in conservation. She believes in the importance of connecting more people to nature as a key step to create a strong front to defend public lands and wildlife.

Prior HECHO, Daniela worked as a multimedia journalist for Univision Arizona, where she was committed to inform, educate, empower and give a voice to the Hispanic community. She covered a variety of news stories, including environmental issues in Arizona, impacting in particular the underserved populations. Her journalistic work made her a recipient of six Emmy awards and nine nominations.

Daniela has also worked as a national correspondent for “Azteca América” based in Washington D.C., and as a correspondent for "CNN World Report" on CNN International and "El Mundo Informa" on CNN En Español from Venezuela, where she is originally from.

Besides her work as a journalist, Daniela has broad experience in leading successful communications and public relations campaigns across Latin America and Brazil. She worked as a Public Relations Director for A&E, History and Biography channels, as well as a Communications Manager for Warner Channel.

Since 1997, Daniela has traveled solo to over 80 countries. In some of these world adventures, she has seen first hand different kinds of environmental issues, from the melting snows of Kilimanjaro caused by climate change and the massive deforestation in Madagascar due to the slash-and-burn practice, to wildlife at risk such as the mountain gorillas in Africa. Daniela has reported independently about these stories and issues through articles and short documentaries she produces herself.

Daniela has a Masters degree in Communications, Journalism and Public Affairs from American University.

She now lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her son and husband, with who she often explores and enjoys the great outdoors on the weekends!

Max Metz Jr.

Max Metz Jr. (he/el) is the Conservation Program Director for HECHO, where he leads strategic conservation campaigns to protect public lands and waters, empowering Hispanic leaders to engage in advocacy and policy efforts. His experience in informal and environmental education, combined with a passion for conservation, has made him a strong advocate for policies that protect both natural resources and the communities that depend on them. 

With a rich background in managing educational programs at the intersection of conservation and public engagement, Max has consistently demonstrated his commitment to fostering connections between people and the environment. His previous roles at Shedd Aquarium and other non-profit, mission-driven organizations have given him deep experience in project management, community outreach, and conservation initiatives, equipping him with the skills to advance HECHO’s mission of preserving public lands for future generations. Max has a passion and dedication for amplifying the stories of museum objects, people, and places to create meaningful connections to root values and authentic action to better our society and planet. 

Throughout his career, Max has been committed to making conservation more accessible and inclusive. At Shedd Aquarium, he played a key role in developing programs that engaged diverse communities in marine and environmental education. His work emphasized the importance of stewardship, helping people of all backgrounds connect to and advocate for the protection of the natural world. 

While serving in the U.S. Peace Corps, Max had the privilege of leading a successful advocacy campaign in the rural, indigenous community of Chichica in the mountains of Panama. This campaign focused on reducing garbage and litter, fostering environmental awareness, and promoting sustainable waste management practices, while maintaining and encouraging strong connections to cultural relevancy with the community. Max worked with the community's most engaged members to form an environmental group, helping them establish clear goals and a mission. This group became the driving force behind the campaign, providing a platform for collective action and decision making.

In his role at HECHO, Max continues to build on this foundation, advocating for policies that align with the values of Hispanic communities. By mobilizing leaders and working closely with public land coalitions, he ensures that HECHO’s conservation efforts reflect the unique cultural ties many Hispanic families have to the land. His work is driven by a deep belief in the power of education and community-led conservation efforts to protect public lands for generations to come.

Max holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Northland College in Outdoor Education and a Masters of Arts from Tufts University in Museum Education. When he’s not working on conservation advocacy, he enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with nature through hiking, camping, canoeing, birding, and outdoor exploration with his two young children, spouse, and dog. He looks forward to continuing the vital work of HECHO and ensuring that Hispanic voices are at the forefront of conservation efforts nationwide.

Max Trujillo

Max Trujillo is the Regional Field Manager for HECHO. Max was born, raised, and educated in Las Vegas New Mexico which is situated in the Southeastern portion of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  Being one of eleven children, a major component of Max’s upbringing included hunting and fishing not so much as a form of recreation, but a form of sustenance for the family.  During the countless outings into the mountains and streams of Northern New Mexico Max developed a profound love of our public lands.  While the family was not fortunate enough to enjoy the ownership of any significant amount of land, it was instilled in him that by virtue of his citizenship, he was an equal and rightful owner of millions of acres of public land.  This experience has made Max a fierce advocate for the conservation and protection of public lands.  Max also owns a small business and serves as San Miguel County Commissioner District 3. 

Max was one of the original contributors to the formation of HECHO. He has also worked with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. During his time with NMWF and HECHO Max played an integral part in the permanent protection of millions of acres of public lands including the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks National Monument, Chimney Rock National Monument, Columbine Hondo Wilderness, and the Sabinoso Wilderness. Working along side of many leaders in conservation, Max has created a legacy for future conservationists to aspire to. Access to our public lands has always been a priority for Max and he has lead the charge to keep our public lands public in spite of threats of privatization of these lands.

Realizing that there is a gross underrepresentation in the conservation arena for people of color, Max’s work with HECHO will ensure that all stakeholders regardless of color, ethnicity, or origin must and will have a seat at the table when it comes to conservation and preservation of our public lands.

Rep. Donald Valdez, ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR

Representative Donald Valdez is a 5th generation San Luis Valley Native and multi-generational rancher, tending to land he and his family cultivated in La Jara Colorado. Conservation has always been important to Rep. Valdez, who joined the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service.

He works closely with local farmers and ranchers, as well as community representatives and government partners, fine-tuning his skills in the conservation of water, soils, plants and ecosystem management. Rep. Valdez enjoys spending time at his family ranch where he grows small grains, alfalfa, and helps to oversee a cow/ calf operation.

Kent Salazar

Kent Salazar is a lifelong resident of New Mexico and an avid hunter and outdoorsman who has been supporting conservation efforts on local, state, and national levels for the past 20 years. Kent has served on the New Mexico State Game and Fish Commission and currently serves as the western vice chair of the National Wildlife Federation Board.  He also serves on the Valles Caldera Trust Board, appointed by President Barack Obama, in addition to the HECHO Board.

Lenore Loroña Stuart

Lenore Loroña Stuart has served as a member of the Yuma County Board of Supervisors in Arizona for 15 years; and serves as the Chairwoman of the National Association of Counties Immigration Task Force.  She was formerly the President of the County Supervisors Association of Arizona. During her tenure she helped shape public policy and represented all of the counties and county supervisors in the state. Among her many contributions to preserving public outdoor recreation areas, Lenore was a member of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Board, under the Direction of Charles Flynn, that helped transform an unusable wetlands area into a beautifully restored and easily accessible riverfront.

Lenore is a fifth generation Yuman. Her back ground is rich in local history. Her great grandfather, Jose Maria Redondo, was well known in Yuma history as a rancher and entrepreneur in early Yuma. He was a member of the Territorial legislature, a Yuma County Supervisor and the second Mayor of Yuma. Lenore is married to G.W. Stuart, Jr.

Viviana Reyes

Viviana Reyes is the Innovation Manager for the Latino Community with the Girl Scouts– Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. In this capacity, she helps develop strategies for engaging Latina girlsand their families in Girl Scouting. Viviana believes in empowering young girls to discover their leadership capabilities through enriching experiences such as skill building programs, community service projects, and environmental stewardship. She and her daughter, Vida, enjoy exploring their state through their many adventures.

Rep. Mark Archuleta Wheatley

Mark is serving his seventh term as a member of the Utah House of Representatives. Since 2004, he has been serving the constituents of District 35 which encompasses South Salt Lake and Murray, Utah. Rep. Wheatley’s legislative assignments include the Higher Education Appropriations Standing Committee; Business and Labor Committee, Judiciary Committee; Administrative Rules Committee and the Native American Liaison Committee.

A graduate of Westminster College with a degree in Human Resource Management, Mark was named 2007 Alumni of the Year by Westminster College for his work and involvement in serving his community. Mark has 15 years of experience working for Salt Lake Community College serving as an administrator for several educational programs.

Mark was awarded the Cesar Chavez Peace and Justice Award from Utah Coalition of La Raza and a special recognition award from Centro de La Familia. Mark is the Vice President of Membership for the National Hispanic Caucus of Hispanic Legislators. He has served on Governors' Hispanic Advisory Council; Hispanic American Festival; Mexican Civic Center; SOMOS President, U.S. West Cooperation; National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers; and the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs

Mark has been married to Josie Valdez for 32 years. They have two sons, Mark, and Carlos. They are the proud grandparents of 4 terrific grandchildren.

Maria Stillman Farrington

Maria Stillman Farrington has worked in the non-profit social services at the executive level with equity in education as a main focus.  Her last position was as the CEO of Holy Cross Ministries.  There she was able to address immigration issues with a staff of five lawyers.  Services also included those given to Spanish speaking families with emphasis on pre- and post- natal care. Maria has also done work with the Utah state legislature for the past 30 years.  Maria retired from full time employment and is currently consulting in non-profit issues.  Besides her work with HECHO, she is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Salt Lake Community College, and on the Board of Girl Scouts of Utah.  She was married to Bob Farrington and has two grown sons, but four grandsons which she considers ‘icing on the cake’.  She continues to explore the outdoors hiking, camping and visiting as many National parks as possible.

Maribel Castañeda

Maribel Castañeda is a passionate coalition builder with over a decade of experience in local and state government working in areas such as education, community development, and constituent engagement. She is currently the Manager of the Confluence of States supporting a network of 17 state offices of outdoor recreation and the Coordinator for Our Virginia Outdoors, a coalition focused on promoting Virginia's outdoors for all. She previously served as the Director of Appointments and Director of Latino Outreach for Governor Northam. Maribel is an avid outdoors enthusiast from Harrisonburg, Virginia and grew up exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She loves camping, hiking, and running.

Jose Witt

Growing up in southern Nevada, Jose has deep ties to the Mojave Desert. After a career in finance, he began working in conservation where he has over a decade of experience in. Jose is the Mojave Desert Landscape Director at The Wilderness Society where he works with partners across the landscape to shape public lands policy and supports campaigns that maintain the ecological integrity of the Mojave Desert.  

Jose serves on the board of Friends of Nevada Wilderness and President of the Nevada Wildlife Federation. In his free time, he enjoys long backpacking trips with his wife and dog as well as other alpine adventures.