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Environmental Studies, B.A. | Class of
Maricela Aceves Wexler
Organizational Development Manager & Fundraising Campaign Director
Employer: Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre
Job description: I'm the Nonprofit Organizational Development Manager at a Higher Education Institution, nad my work includes expansion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Decolonization initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and strategic planning. As a member of the Collective Leadership Council, I am responsible for a range of organizational process designs, implementation, and assessments pertaining to organizational policies and practices to help guide the organization into it's next 50 years of theatre training, research, performance, and community engagement.
About Maricela Aceves
Why did you choose this program?
I had started working for state parks in Idaho when I was in high school and then continued as a park aide for several summers after graduation. I was inspired by my supervisor (still a good friend and mentor of mine today) to pursue a career as a park ranger. He had gone to Humboldt State University and encouraged me to apply and attend. I enrolled in community college in Pleasant Hill to get my pre-requisites for a Biology major and promptly fell in love with ceramics and was fascinated by the courses that fell under the social sciences and humanities.
I was still committed to the idea of becoming a park ranger so I did my research and found Environmental Studies to be a desirable blend of my interests. I transferred to HSU and decided on the Community Organizing emphasis largely because the course descriptions associated with it caught my interest most out of all the options presented to me. I am so glad I picked this major and that emphasis! It did not take long for me to realize that my original career plans were going to change in exciting ways as I continued to grow during my time as an ENST student.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
The program has prepared me for my job in many ways, including: building my critical thinking and analysis skills; strengthening my writing and research abilities; helping me develop a sense of agency to effect change no matter what job I might have; developing a foundation for intersectional systems thinking; establishing the invaluable practice of self-reflection around my positionality, which catalyzed my evolving awareness of dynamics and impacts of power and privilege in and out of the workplace; helping me locate sources of motivation and inspiration even when met with daunting challenges; exposing me to friendships and networks that continue to be assets to my current job and career more generally; giving me opportunities to apply what I was learning directly on campus and in the surrounding community which helped build experience and confidence that continues to serve me in my current role; and so much more.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
I enjoyed all the feels! I loved the wide range of course options that allowed me to feel like I was able to design my very own custom program. I admired my professors and peers who inspired me every day to want to grow, learn, and make a difference. I am grateful for the powerful resources and assignments that helped me better understand the world around me and myself.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
If you're interested in deepening your understanding of some of the world's most pressing issues, the ways communities have and are working to address them, and how you can be a part of meaningful change in ways that perhaps you've never considered before, then I highly recommend you sign up for this major.
Stay open to what is possible. Say yes to the opportunities that intrigue you (yes, including those that seem a little scary at first!). Feel the feels. Be patient with yourself. Do the readings ;)