Getting everyone together -Maria Lopez Vazquez -Landscape Architecture 2026

These past weeks have been inspiring. 

I helped support the workshop in developing protocols and strategies for binational emergency response for Mexican decision-makers. 

Government officials from different levels, non-profit organizations, and additional local stakeholders participated in a workshop to develop best practices for responding to emergencies involving flooding and landslides in the nearby urban canyons.

Listening to every work table conversation was exciting. People identified issues and informed one another with their expertise on how conditions could be improved. It was nice to humanize government officials, doing their best to collaborate and understand issues they were unaware of. 

Due to my language skills, I felt very appreciated and able to contribute. Besides my boss, I am the only one on the team who speaks fluent Spanish. I had met many participants before and was able to address questions and concerns about the activities.

Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM) is in September and is dedicated to action and advocacy with the community and local partners. It was great to support and facilitate the first meeting, where we identified what possible events to host, who the partners are, and how we are going to engage the community on both sides of the border. 

The second meeting is approaching, and I’m eager to hear what activities the partners have in mind.