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Jesús Sánchez, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Cleveland Metroparks

Jesús Sánchez is the Outdoor Recreation Specialist with Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland, Ohio. Born in Carolína, Puerto Rico, Jesús Sánchez grew up in Lorain, Ohio. He studied Biology at the University of Findlay earning a Bachelor of Science, and later a Master’s of Science degree from John Carroll University. From 2006 to 2013, he worked in various capacities with the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Green Corps program where he worked with high school age youth in Cleveland using urban agriculture as a catalyst to develop 21st century skills in youth. Jesús became Director of Programs at Esperanza Inc. in 2013, where he directed program staff as well as six outreach and educational support programs within the Cleveland Hispanic and Latino community. Passionate about experiential learning, Jesús’ move to Education Director for the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center was a natural fit. Here, he collaborated extensively with the National Park System developing curriculum, providing teacher professional development, and working towards an institutional culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity. Additionally, Jesús is a Case Western Reserve University Treu-Mart Fellow as well as a National Institute for Latino School Leaders fellow advocating for equitable opportunities for underrepresented youth. Currently, Jesús is an Outdoor Recreation specialist with Cleveland Metroparks Youth Outdoors program and provides training as well as professional development for environmental as well as outdoor focused organizations through his Change In Nature Consulting LLC.