Welcome back to our blog series of Q&As with our staff. As our team has grown in recent years, this is a chance to get to know some of our stories and quirks. Caring for creation and equipping others to do likewise is so much more meaningful — and fun — when done as a team!
Photo caption: A Rocha USA Texas Conservation Project Director Verónica Godoy.
What drew you to A Rocha?
The fact that it is an international family of Christians working in conservation. I was drawn by the diversity of people and places and the integration of vocation and faith.
What’s your favorite species and why?
I don’t have a favorite species, but I am a plant lover. The adaptations and complex mechanisms plants have developed to sense and respond to their environment amaze me. Their beauty and diversity bring me joy.
Texas Bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) in A Rocha’s restoration project in the Bull Creek Watershed.
What places are near and dear to your heart?
The beach and ocean in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The Sierras near Mar del Plata. The Bull Creek watershed in Austin, Texas.
What training/background do you bring to this work?
I have a scientific and academic background, with experience in biology, research, project development, and working with diverse communities.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
Being responsible for funding the work in Central Texas – which involves grant-writing and looking for opportunities – and managing staff.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?
Spending time outdoors, and seeing the impact of our work in people (like the volunteers and families who attend our Picnics en el Arroyo) and in local habitats. I also love just spending time with our staff, Picnics families, and volunteers.
A Picnic en el Arroyo at Westcave Preserve, Austin, TX.
What are some ways you see A Rocha’s work bringing life to your local ecosystems?
Removing invasive plant species and seeing the areas recovering with native plants. Seeing the Picnics families enjoying green spaces that are new to them. By expanding access to green spaces, we bring those areas new life.
What keeps you going when faced with all our overwhelming ecological problems?
Ultimate hope in Jesus. He is making all things new, and I get to participate in the renewal, knowing He will complete His work in His good time.
What is a little-known but fun fact about you?
I love dancing! I was part of a Latino Dance company in Austin from 2000-2003, where I danced tango. I love acting, too! I did some acting in Argentina.
What would be your creation-oriented book recommendation?
The Soul of an Octopus, by Sy Montgomery, and In Defense of Plants, by Matt Candeias.