Daniela Silva Hernandez

STRAW Restoration Technician

As a Restoration Technician with STRAW, I monitor and support habitat restoration projects in the South Bay. Part of my role also includes assisting in classrooms and student field days, teaching students about the importance of protecting our watersheds and encouraging them to make a difference. Working with plants and people reminds me that land, people, and all living things are connected. I feel lucky to do work that protects natural spaces while empowering local community members in the process.

I was born in Mexico and grew up across a variety of landscapes: from the deserts of Chihuahua to the coastline of Baja, and the hills of Guadalajara. In 2012, my family moved to the U.S., and since then, we’ve lived in Arizona, Southern California, and Northern California. Growing up in such diverse places and cultures has shaped who I am today. My family, the Latin@ community, and the places I’ve called home continue to fuel my sense of purpose and motivation. They remind me of resilience, rich traditions, language, and the importance of staying grounded in my roots through both struggles and successes.

I earned my B.S. in Evolutionary, Ecological, and Organismal Biology from CSU Chico, where the outdoor experiences in the local nature played a huge role in my academic journey. During my time there, I interned at my school’s Vertebrate Museum and got involved in sustainability projects on campus. I joined the student sustainability group and began working on local initiatives, which opened my eyes to the impact of collaborating with communities.

After graduating, I joined the California Climate Action Corps program as a fellow. I worked with a K-12 school to improve recycling and composting, teach environmental lessons, and lead greening projects to engage students in planting and increase campus biodiversity. Along the way, I earned my certifications as a California Naturalist and California Steward, which has deepened my love for California ecosystems and helped me learn how to bring people into the conversation about climate and care.

Outside of work, I enjoy painting, experimenting with new recipes, spending time with my dogs, camping, road-tripping, and scuba diving!

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