Xena grew up in the Northeast before moving to Southern California for its open spaces and warmer climate. She holds an MS in Nutrition from Boston University and a BA in Environmental Science from Barnard College. With almost two decades experience in nonprofit fundraising and program operations, Xena is excited to have found an organization that combines both of her passions—conservation and nutrition. She enjoys hiking, baking vegan desserts, and traveling light. She’s clinging to the hope that one day her daughter will discover the joys of backpacking… or at least tolerate it without complaining.