Jes was born and raised in Los Angeles and has made the Bay Area their home. They began their career as an intern zookeeper at the Los Angeles Zoo through the North Hollywood High School Zoo Magnet, where they developed a passion for the natural world. Jes worked with the petting zoo programs and the Avian Conservation Center, which led to their selection as one of 10 fellows for the 2019 Duttenhaver Conservation Field Study Program in Costa Rica, where they researched pollinator responses to climate change.

Jes later earned a B.S. in Molecular Environmental Biology with a focus on Biodiversity from UC Berkeley. During the pandemic, they researched moth diversity in Sulawesi, Indonesia, at the Essig Museum of Entomology and also completed a minor in Food Systems & Agroecology. Their interest in urban farming and community-building drew them to the Greenway Gardens at Urban Tilth. If you see them, say hi! If you see a bird, tell them about that too!

Contact: Jes@urbantilth.org

Brenda is the Green Community Engagement Assistant and a lifelong North Richmond resident. She is passionate about working closely with monolingual Spanish speakers and advocating for their voices to be heard. This dedication to supporting immigrant communities began early, inspired by her parents, who are immigrants, and her volunteer work at a nonprofit that champions immigrant rights and legal cases. Brenda loves spending time in nature, whether hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking.

Contact: Brenda@urbantilth.org

Jorge Mendoza joined the Greenway team as a coordinator in 2023. Born and raised in South Central LA, Jorge is passionate about fitness, hiking, and leading a healthy lifestyle. His commitment to wellness inspired him to work with Urban Tilth, an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities. Growing up in a neighborhood similar to Richmond, where food deserts prevail and healthy options are scarce, Jorge wanted to contribute to meaningful change. At Greenway, he helps create a clean, safe space where Richmond residents can walk, enjoy the trails, and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. For Jorge, the joy of seeing the community come together at local events and volunteer activities makes his efforts truly rewarding.

Contact: Jorge@urbantilth.org