What started as a side quest… is quickly becoming a main storyline.

This spring, I completed training with the Virginia Master Naturalist – Riverine Chapter, a community-based volunteer program dedicated to environmental stewardship, citizen science, natural resource education, and conservation. Weekly classroom sessions (January–April) and field excursions across the region have completely transformed how I see the natural world—and myself.

I grew up in Northern Virginia, terrified of bugs, uncomfortable outdoors for any recreation, and definitely never thinking I’d one day call myself a naturalist. But here I am! Getting my hands dirty. Learning about Virginia's ecosystems, geology, wildlife, native plants—and having the time of my life.

The VMN program reminded me of the Bonner Service Scholar Program I was a part of at Christopher Newport University, a structured, purpose-driven scholarship program focused on getting young people (often low-income, first-generation) to get involved in their local community. VMN has felt just like that: mission-aligned, volunteer-powered, values-led. I stumbled across their booth at the State Fair last fall (they were handing out bear safety tips for dog owners!)—and I’m so glad I stopped.

Since then, I’ve:
🛶 Helped survey diamondback terrapins by kayak on the York River
🪲 Gotten way less scared of bugs (still not trying to be besties though)
🌱 Reignited a deep, joyful sense of curiosity

This journey as a Master Naturalist is also fueling my creativity and sense of purpose as a UX Designer and Researcher. Observation, listening, systems thinking, pattern recognition, meeting people where they are—turns out those skills translate beautifully from the field to the design process and vise versa.

I’m working toward full certification this year (40+ service hours and 8 continued education hours), and I already feel like I’ve grown in ways that would surprise my younger self. I belong here. And if you’ve ever felt like these spaces weren’t “for you,” I promise—they are. We all belong in la naturaleza.

Completed the Leadership Academy in December 2022 and gained invaluable insights on my own leadership capacity and how to create a more equitable world.

Gaby has quickly become a fundamental part of the WF Financial Health XD Team, with many on the WF side actually thinking she is a full time Wells employee! Through many trials and tribulations with connection and tool challenges, Gaby has maintained a willingness to figure out how to get it done - from collaborating effectively with WF content strategists to building Invision prototypes with PNGs. She's been successful at everything the Wells team has thrown her way, and is frequently called out for her quick turn arounds, solid delivery, and patience. Through it all she has maintained her positive attitude, using her sense of humor to bring levity to sometimes frustrating situations.

VCU Brandcenter + The Martin Agency | January 2021

Pitched a restaurant business accelerator to the Martin Agency

BBH | October 2020

Pitched our “Movement Mothers” solution to Good Call NYC founders

Hull Entrepreneurship Scholarship Recipient, 2019

BC Director’s Council Recipient, 2020