Prelims

Jhovelis Mañaná is an Afro-Latina of Dominican descent from the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights.She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Survey Research and an Executive Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.Over the last decade, Mañaná has assisted with overseeing multiple research collaborations with universities, government agencies, medical institutions, and community-based organizations.She plans to devote her career to optimizing work environments and improving the living conditions and opportunities in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods.Her primary career goal is to continuously grow and learn about herself and humanity in a comprehensive, culturally responsive way. MauraPalacios Mejia is a Biology professor at Mt. SAC & uses environmental DNA to address ecological issues in the Mojave Desert, Brownfields & Kelp Forests.She collaborated with Pacoima Beautiful community