Leslie León-Aguilar is the Forestry Program Coordinator at Openlands and a champion for the equitable union of community and nature. In this role she will facilitate the planting of trees and community strengthening in Chicago through the Tree Planters Grant program. Growing up in Northwest Indiana’s Calumet region has allowed Leslie to witness the intersection of rare ecosystems, industry, and the impact both have on people of all ages. After graduating from Indiana University Bloomington with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and minor Geography, her experience includes working with Imani Village on Chicago’s South Side where she first encountered Openlands and became a Tree Keeper. Her work with Davey as a Utility Forester grew her familiarity with Chicago and its surrounding suburbs as well as a better understanding of how people and trees interact in an urban setting. Later working as a Nature Preserve Steward for the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources where she participated in invasive species control, prescribed fires, and canopy clearing. During that time, she was also a Community Wellness Coach for Butterfly Dreamz in Gary. Here she Co-designed holistic leadership development programs and facilitated mentorship groups for adolescent girls to help build their confidence as young community leaders and enhance their social-emotional skills. As a certified Community Health Worker and aspiring arborist Leslie hopes to continue following her vision to strengthen our ties to nature and ultimately our true selves.
Contact Information
Email: lleon-aguilar@openlands.org
