Program Mission
The mission of the Forestry and Natural Resources Career Mentorship Program is to increase recruitment and retention of early-career forestry professionals by: pairing university and community college students with a professional mentor, providing networking and training opportunities, and offering insight into a forestry career.
The Program recognizes that a diverse and expanded workforce is essential to addressing current and future challenges facing the field. We encourage support for underrepresented groups in the profession, including women, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQIA+ by: providing training on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) for participants, pairing participants based on shared professional interests and identity (when requested), and showcasing the diversity of identities and specialties that exist within the field of forestry.
Navigating professional forestry and natural resource careers after graduation can be challenging for students and young professionals, and this program aims to provide a network of support as they establish a career within these fields. Tailored mentorship eases the transition from school to the professional world, and has the potential to increase recruitment and retention rates in forestry and natural resources.
Program History
In 2022, CAL FIRE’s Wood Products and Bioenergy Team awarded the Placer County RCD a grant amounting to $250,880 to fund the Forestry and Natural Resources Career Mentorship Program, along with seed funding from California Licensed Foresters Association, Women in Timber, and the UC Cooperative Extension. In 2025, Placer RCD was fortunate enough to receive an additional award from CAL FIRE to continue Program operations.
2026/2027 Steering Committee Members:
- Olivia Fiori, Chair – Sonoma County Ag + Open Space
- Cameron Musser, Vice Chair – Sierra Cascade Land Stewards
- Dr. Renaldo Arroyo – Bakersfield College
- Corrie Munger – UC Berkeley
- Camila Quintana – University of California Cooperative Extension
- Katie Low – University of California Cooperative Extension
- Dr. Lilli Kaarakka – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
2026/2027 Faculty Representatives:
- Renaldo Arroyo – Bakersfield College
- Valerie Elder – College of the Redwoods
- Rachelle Hedges – UC Berkeley
- Erin Kelly – Cal Poly Humboldt
- Lilli Kaarakka – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Melissa Markee – Shasta College
- Kayla Rodriguez – Reedley College
- Bridget Tracy – Feather River College