Our steadfast organization is growing! As Greenbelt Alliance’s work expands across the Bay Area, we have welcomed multiple new staff members who are passionate about building a more equitable and resilient region.
Keep reading to get to know our new hires and learn about their unique backgrounds and skills.
Victorina Arvelo
South Bay Resilience Manager
I was always committed to conservation, but overtime I realized climate change problems could never be fully addressed unless we were also incorporating equity and justice. Greenbelt has a unique multidisciplinary approach that incorporates nature-based solutions and balances community needs with conservation goals. I am proud to be part of a team that takes the time to paint the full picture, explore all the nuances, and then develop holistic solutions that will make a difference.
Ann Hamilton
North Bay Resilience Manager
I worked for UC Berkeley’s outdoor program Cal Adventures as a river rafting and sea kayaking guide. Though I grew up in Oakland, I had never experienced the Bay Area from a water systems perspective. I first experienced our region’s watersheds by guiding trips in places like Drakes Estero, Bolinas Lagoon, Pt Reyes, Mendocino’s Big River, which gave me an appreciation for the marine and river ecosystems, and an awareness of the vulnerability of our coastlines from climate and human-made impacts.
My experience of exposing people to nature on rafting trips was inspiring. Doing trips on rivers like the Klammath, South Fork of America, Wild & Scenic Rogue river, Yuba, Eel made me an activist to protect our river systems and watersheds through climate and outdoor education, that helps people create a profound bond with the natural world.
Princess Washington
People & Culture Manager
I grew up in Suisun City, which is adjacent to the largest brackish marsh on the West coast. I would frequent there as a child, so it is engraved in me to protect and advocate for the environment. I fell in love with the fact that Greenbelt Alliance does this for the entire region in a tangible way!
Devin Murphy
Leadership Development Coordinator
I have a diverse background and work portfolio in community organizing, democratic governance, and legislative advocacy, with a strong focus on sustainable development and racial equity. My passion for environmental justice and sustainable urban planning led me to join the Greenbelt Alliance team. I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to green spaces and a healthy environment, and Greenbelt Alliance’s mission aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals.
Alexandra Singer
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
I am from San Francisco and passionate about social and environmental justice. My mother’s work in the nonprofit field has partly inspired my previous roles as a grassroots fundraiser for a nonprofit and a planner for social justice-oriented events at my alma mater. What drew me to join the Greenbelt team was its emphasis on climate resiliency in my home region, as well as its work to address environmental challenges in diverse communities.
I’ve been exposed to the nonprofits field for many years. My mom would often volunteer me to work events at her organization. Though I sometimes grumbled about having to work auctions and serve guests when I was younger, this gave me valuable fundraising experience which I now appreciate, have refined, and am excited to bring to Greenbelt!
Nikila Walker
Solano Communications Fellow
I’m an activist and advocate for equity in economic development and environmental justice. I advocate for equitable access to green spaces and healthy foods, while expanding the idea of what is considered healthy foods to include cultural foods. As a business owner, I adopt sustainable practices and encourage other businesses to do the same. I’m excited to apply my advocacy to my work at Greenbelt Alliance.
Devin Murphy
Leadership Development Coordinator
One exciting project I’ll be working on at Greenbelt Alliance is the Resilient Roots fellowship and Climate Leaders Network. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of local communities to climate change by promoting sustainable land use and advocating for policies that protect our natural landscapes.
Victorina Arvelo
South Bay Resilience Manager
I am delighted to be working on the Resilience Hotspots in Gilroy and East San José. We are partnering with some amazing social justice organizations (like Community Agency for Resources, Advocacy and Services) that are engaging in climate action to help their communities persevere. Our South Bay partners understand first-hand the biggest issue in climate work: that those who contribute the least to climate change, and are the least equipped to deal with its consequences, are the ones who suffer the most from it.
Ann Hamilton
North Bay Resilience Manager
Our Sonoma County Wildfire Buffer Pilot project is super exciting. We are collaborating with wonderful partners: Sonoma Ag + Open Space, Sonoma Ecology Center, Pepperwood Preserve and a couple Fire Safe Councils. We’ll be identifying key natural greenbelts near frontline populations, educating land-owners on stewardship options, and finding funding to sustain our wildfire resilience work in Sonoma County in the long term.
Princess Washington
People & Culture Manager
As People and Culture Manager, I look forward to working behind-the-scenes with Greenbelt’s Board and staff to ensure that we are internally operating as smoothly as possible.
Alexandra Singer
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
I’m really looking forward to supporting Hidden Heroes this August and Blueprint for the Future Gala in September. I really enjoy connecting with patrons over important causes and assisting events, which is why I’m excited for these two Greenbelt events!
Victorina Arvelo
South Bay Resilience Manager
I moved to the U.S from Venezuela in 2014 to attend college, and Spanish is my native language. I think the lived experience of assimilating to a new culture, and being able to interact with community members in Spanish will be incredibly helpful in some of our work. Additionally, I have always felt there is a disconnect between science and policy—scientists have the knowledge but are perhaps not always communicating it efficiently or leveraging science as essential to decision-makers.
I have a strong academic background in science, specifically climate change adaptation and conservation, and experience in community outreach and stakeholder engagement, so I am excited to work towards filling that gap.
Ann Hamilton
North Bay Resilience Manager
I worked for County of Sonoma Public Health and was an Emergency Response worker through recent wildfires, which allowed me to experience first-hand how crucial it is to mobilize government services in crisis response. Those experiences helped me decide to shift my efforts to proactive support efforts to preserve our natural resources, communities, and infrastructure.
Alexandra Singer
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
I’ve been exposed to the nonprofits field for many years. My mom would often volunteer me to work events at her organization. Though I sometimes grumbled about having to work auctions and serve guests when I was younger, this gave me valuable fundraising experience which I now appreciate, have refined, and am excited to bring to Greenbelt!
Devin Murphy
Leadership Development Coordinator
I bring a unique blend of experience in both government and community organizing. As Mayor Emeritus and City Councilmember of Pinole, California, I understand the intricacies of policy-making and leadership development, and have a strong network within local government. This, combined with my hands-on experience in grassroots advocacy, allows me to bridge the gap between community needs and policy implementation effectively.
Victorina Arvelo
South Bay Resilience Manager
Equity and accessibility for immigrant communities. The United States’ outdoor culture is largely dominated by white folks, as people of color historically have not engaged with outdoor recreation in the same ways. Language is one of the many barriers preventing immigrants from engaging in science or outdoor recreation so I am passionate about culturally competent translations of educational materials and essential information (think about all the warning signs, educational signs, resources, information).
Greenbelt Alliance has a strong focus on community outreach with a social-equity lens, so I am eager to be an advocate for equity and accessibility for People of Color in general, and specifically for Spanish-speaking communities.
Devin Murphy
Leadership Development Coordinator
Affordable housing in the face of climate change is a critical issue for me. Many communities are vulnerable to climate impacts, and it’s essential that we create affordable, resilient housing solutions. At Greenbelt Alliance, I will advocate for policies that integrate affordable housing with climate resilience measures, ensuring that our most vulnerable populations are protected and have access to safe, sustainable living conditions. Additionally, I will promote the establishment of green zones—designated areas that combine green spaces with affordable housing to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and enhance overall community well-being.
Princess Washington
People & Culture Manager
I love the diversity of climate within our region and the rising temperatures around the Bay Area is a huge concern.
Alexandra Singer
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
A topic that means a lot to me is intersectional environmentalism. Many societal problems are often intertwined, yet sometimes treated as isolated phenomena. I hope to fight narrow environmental solutions by supporting Greenbelt’s work to bring attention to multifaceted perspectives, actors and solutions that comprise the dynamic nature of climate resiliency.
Nikila Walker
Solano Communications Fellow
Equal access to green space and healthy food is critical to a healthy community. Systemic oppression can be linked to the environment that people live in and the food they have access to. My goal is to help protect environmental spaces through my work helping protect Solano County lands from harmful development.
Devin Murphy
Leadership Development Coordinator
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply exploring local parks. I am also passionate about oceanography and love capturing the beauty of natural landscapes. Additionally, I enjoy R&B music, I’m an avid reader, and I enjoy staying informed about the latest developments in clean technology.
Victorina Arvelo
South Bay Resilience Manager
I love to read, hike and go camping, especially at National Parks. I also recently started aquascaping (creating amazing underwater habitats inspired by nature). One could argue that given my rigorous academic background I should be good at this particular hobby. I am not. I am still struggling to set up the tank properly and balance all the parts of a working ecosystem. But I’m still hoping it’ll grow into a beautiful, relaxing, instagram-worthy aquascape one day.
Ann Hamilton
North Bay Resilience Manager
I’m in a band called Stakes Are Low (and yes you can hire us) with my husband and friends. I love to harass people through ping-ping, pickleball, and volleyball. I’m a 20-year burner (Burning Man attendee), and I love playing Settlers of Catain.
Alexandra Singer
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
I enjoy exercising, trying food places, and traveling. For example, I recently visited my birth city of Da Nang, Vietnam for the first time since I was a baby. I highly recommend it as a rich place for culture, food, landscapes, and vacationing.
Nikila Walker
Solano Communications Fellow
Outside of work I love to hike and spend time in nature, read, and play video games.
