As the human population continues to grow, the intersection between social and environmental issues becomes more common. Growing up in Colombia, Daniela Bueso’s interest in this area sparked.
Bueso is the Colorado-based Central America Co-Director at Trees, Water & People. To get there, Bueso earned an M.S. in Conservation Leadership through Colorado State University’s Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources in the Warner College of Natural Resources.
Trees, Water & People is a Fort Collins non-profit that focuses on conservation work in Central America and U.S. Tribal Lands, working to improve lives by helping local communities lead the protection, conservation, and management of natural resources.
Bueso describes Trees, Water & People as cheerleaders to support their local partners, not as the players themselves.
In her role, Bueso shares directorship of the Central America program with Valentina de Rooy, who lives in Guatemala. Bueso and de Rooy started in their shared position in October 2022.
“As the co-director in Colorado, I focus on managing TWP’s Central America Program by leading our efforts in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua,” Bueso said.
Bueso explains some of the important parts of her role include maintaining regular communication and long-term relations with primary partners in each country while also strengthening existing projects, program strategy and priorities, project design, fundraising, and working on budgets and grants.
Becoming a co-director at Trees, Water & People took a nearly decade-long academic track, and another five years as a professional.
Bueso received a B.S. in Environmental Studies at Florida International University, where she developed an interest in marine conservation. Bueso interned for the university’s School of Arts, Science, and Education, focusing on environmental and conservation projects.
Upon graduating with her undergraduate degree, Bueso continued to grow her international experience.
“I became a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay as a Conservation Specialist where I served for 27 months and where my passion for community engagement and development grew.”
Working with the Peace Corps shaped the next phase of Bueso’s academic process.
After her volunteering term ended, Bueso pursued a Master of Science in Conservation Leadership Through Learning.
This program allowed Bueso to continue applying her skills in the international marine conservation field.
“I lived in Belize for my master’s capstone project, working closely with a marine non-profit as a social scientist, helping to develop community consultations to talk about lionfish management strategies with local stakeholders,” Bueso said. “During my capstone project, I realized that I wanted to follow a path working with an international non-profit. I’m always trying to stick with my values and my roots as a Latina.”
After receiving her master’s degree, Bueso began looking for an internationally-focused non-profit to work with. Eventually, an opportunity at Trees, Water & People opened.
“I began my path (at TWP) as an intern, then office manager, tours manager, program coordinator, and now I’m a co-director. It has been an incredible journey with great mentors, advisors, and organizations that led me to where I am today,” Bueso said.
The time Bueso spent abroad has been the biggest factor in her career success.
“The Peace Corps gave me the foundation where I learned how to interact with local communities, speak a new language, and appreciate other cultures,” Bueso said. “My capstone in Belize gave me a professional view of what it is like to unite people and nature in a collaborative and equitable way. And now with TWP, I am privileged to combine both passions of travel and professional growth with this role.”
When looking for career options, Bueso is a proponent of keeping your values in focus.
“The most important part is to always stick to your values as a person and a professional. Find those opportunities and jobs that speak to you and fit with your beliefs and passions,” Bueso said. “Travel, volunteer, and participate in professional development opportunities where you are. Keep those mentors close, and never be afraid to take risks and new challenges!”