Carlrey Arroyo
Hello to all EcoNews readers. My name is Carlrey Arroyo. I am Xicanx with Yoeme roots. I grew up in Southern California, and have been a guest on Wiyot land for the last 8 ½ years. I am a 2017 alum from Cal Poly Humboldt where I received my B.A. in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in community organizing. In my time there, I attained minors in Economics and Philosophy of Ethics and Values. I have organized locally around social and environmental justice issues with different organizations and groups as both a student and community member. Additionally, I have 6 years of non-profit experience, ranging from program coordination to donor development.
Food Sovereignty is what I am most passionate about. I have been building my skills as a farmer for the last 5 years. I have worked at various local organic farms, organized Sanctuary gardens throughout Humboldt aimed for Indigenous migrant community and currently co-manage a QTBIPOC mini-farm called Spoonhouse Gardens.
I am inspired and motivated by Indigenous and BIPOC communities that continue to protect land and water at all costs against extractive and pollutant industries. I am responsible to my family, niblings and future kin in the fight to ensure they have access to water, air, seeds, soil and a biodiverse environment free from oppression. I am accountable to the community when called upon to show up and act for our collective liberation.
Joining the NEC team as it enters its 51st year is exciting. I look forward to supporting the administrative functions of the organization while offering my perspective and ideas to the team as we move towards the next 50 crucial years for action in protection of Mother Earth and our communities.
Elena Bilheimer
Elena Bilheimer graduated in winter of 2021 with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in journalism from Cal Poly Humboldt. In her studies she mainly focused on the importance of incorporating social justice with environmental activism to work towards creating a more liberated and sustainable world. The environmental studies program at Cal Poly Humboldt was instrumental in shaping how she approaches environmental problems from an intersectional perspective that views humans and nature as intimately interconnected and inseparable. Her experience as the Media Production Fellow for the program helped develop her passion for graphic design and media. She is especially interested in learning more about how art and writing can be used as tangible tools to promote activism.
Her other passions include being outside, camping, gardening, reading, design, and cooking. The best recipe she has made recently was giant crinkled chocolate chip cookies from The New York Times. She is loving that she has more time to enjoy books and other journalists’ writing now that she isn’t so overwhelmed by homework. Her favorite place in Humboldt is the hike to Strawberry Rock to enjoy the expansive views and connect with the North Coast flora and fauna.
Since graduating, Elena has transitioned from being the EcoNews Journalism Intern to the EcoNews Journalist. Her favorite part of the job is getting to talk to people in the community who inspire her and are doing amazing work for the earth and its inhabitants. She wants to continue to develop her interview skills so as to better communicate local stories and voices to the NEC community. Elena loves being part of the NEC team and contributing to such an important Humboldt organization!