ABOUT
Who we are
REC aims to reenvision the social dynamics created by the built environments of marginalized neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Through principles of environmental justice, REC is committed to fostering meaningful relationships between people and the natural world.
what we do
Reclaim and reimagine the framework of low-income communities of color in Los Angeles. Through beautification projects, wilderness restoration activities, and environmental justice programming, we encourage self-discovery, connection, and community building to cultivate individuals who can actively reenvision their relationship to the built and natural environment.
our Vision
Low-income communities of color are safe, welcoming neighborhoods built to last, and have a multitude of open spaces that highlight the endemic beauty of Los Angeles. Our communities are surrounded by natural elements, native flora and fauna, and prioritize people. In return, these spaces foster community leadership that promotes peace, joy, and a sense of connection to the built environment.
Environmental justice Concentration
Environmental justice conversations create understanding around the effects of environmental racism, which has historically disproportionately affected low-income communities of color. Environmental justice education provides an understanding of the connectivity of all things and a deeper sense of self with one’s surrounding environment, fostering leaders who work to uplift themselves and their communities. REC tries to mitigate the negative effects of environmental injustice through our educational practices, sustainability projects, and local collaborations that work to build resiliency in both urban and wild landscapes.
WHO I AM
Paola Flores Núñez
Growing up in the San Fernando Valley has been an incredible and eye-opening reality that has influenced my work in environmental justice organizing.
My experience living here, along with my education, have helped me understand how environmental injustices affect our livelihoods and the importance of being an advocate for positive, local change.
By creating REC, I hope to share the specialized knowledge I have gained about our surrounding environment to create consciousness while also creating hope for change.
Education
University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Bachelor of Science in Society and Environment
Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies
Certifications
Wilderness First Aid (NOLS)
CPR (American Red Cross)
Type 2 Wildland Firefighter (USFS)
