Where Are They Now? with Maya Tainatongo

Meet Maya Tainatongo! A native Tucsonan and passionate community member, Maya shares their past experiences in the Earth Grant program and how it has strengthened her impactful and collaborative work in conservation and community building.

Tell us a little about yourself, your community (however you define it), and your past work with Earth Grant.

My name is Maya Tainatongo (She/they). I enjoy spending time outdoors, playing the banjo, cooking, and figuring out new ways to combine art and nature. I am in community with a bunch of lovely local folx who enjoy nature, art, and creating diverse spaces for cool people. A lot of this community was actually introduced to me through Earth Grant, where I worked with two local non-profit groups: Sierra Club Borderlands program and Flowers and Bullets Collective. Through these groups, I was able to get to know people living in and around the Tucson area from all walks of life. One of the things I took away from working with these programs was how important it is to implement restorative justice pathways into local community spaces.

What have you been up to since graduating from Earth Grant? Any new journeys professionally, personally, or in community?

Since Earth Grant, I landed a position with Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) as their Recruitment Coordinator. Much of my work involves both interviewing and hiring members and doing community outreach in Southern Arizona to get young people into conservation jobs through AZCC. Along with this, I also work to find resources for members in the realms of housing, food security, and community support. Besides a new job, I have also been exploring the outdoors through numerous camping trips and backpacking excursions. I made it a goal after graduating to explore and learn about the world around me as much as possible through art, food, music, and community events. 

How has your experience at Earth Grant helped to prepare you for these new ventures?

Earth Grant definitely helped me with these new ventures by showing me how many diverse community spaces exist around me. Without my internship at Flowers and Bullets Collective, for example, I would not be tied into so many BIPOC lead organizations in Tucson. Earth Grant also helped me develop the communications skills necessary to interact with people from different backgrounds, which has been incredibly useful in my current position.

Any advice you’d like to give to young leaders aspiring to do the same kind of work that you do?

My advice for young leaders seeking to do similar work is to get involved with local community collectives, organizations, and groups that interest you. I believe the best way to make strides in an area you’re passionate about is to surround yourself with people who are passionate about that same thing. I would also encourage young leaders to make sure they’re making plenty of time for hobbies they feel creative in; in my experience, this gives my brain the rest it needs to get a fresh outlook on a challenge or a goal.