We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Allison Valdez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Allison below.
Allison, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’ve always loved storytelling. First, as a child when I danced ballet for six years, then through music when I joined my school’s orchestra, and finally when I started taking drama classes in middle school and doing theatre in high school. I loved the adrenaline that came from performing in front of crowds and the storytelling involved in these different art forms. I studied broadcast journalism at one of the best public universities in the country and started working at a local news station before I even graduated.
Upon graduation, I accepted my dream job (at the time) at Hawaii’s ABC news station. It felt great using the power of mass communication to inform, educate, and serve the community. Motivated by the desire to “live, love, learn, and leave a legacy,” I love how storytelling and spreading awareness can truly unite people for a common cause and galvanize action when needed.
After spending some time in Hawaiʻi and immersing myself in this beautiful community, I learned that the Aloha State is also known as the invasive species, endangered species, and extinction capital of the world and faces many pressing environmental concerns. This year, I pivoted my career to work for a local conservation nonprofit where I help translate the science to communicate the urgent need to protect and preserve our precious ecosystems.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about the organization before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Protect & Preserve Hawaii is a community-based nonprofit that aims to show volunteers how we can all give back to the land and incorporate sustainability into our lifestyles. Living on an island highlights the importance of relying on those within our community. The Hawaiian term “kuleana” teaches us that it’s both our responsibility and privilege to care for the land, so that it will care for us. Because of this reciprocal relationship, giving back and caring for each other is a great way to show our aloha.
At Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi, our mission is to embrace our kuleana to protect and preserve Hawaiʻi’s fragile ecosystems through conservation, culture, and community.
My job is to help inspire and galvanize others to join this sustainable movement; it’s a life purpose that I find really rewarding. With the state’s economy focused largely on the tourism industry, we’re also fortunate to have visitors volunteer with us to remove invasive species and plant native trees. I’m glad our reach is spreading across the Pacific as we show visitors how they can practice a less extractive type of vacation called “voluntourism.” We welcome everyone to follow our Instagram (@protectandpreservehawaii) to learn more about our ongoing events and activities and see how you can get involved in caring for the planet, whether you’re in Hawaiʻi or abroad.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
- Focusing on my passions throughout life helped me find fulfilling careers in those areas. I love the journey so far and wouldn’t change anything that’s happened. It’s so important to find a career that’s meaningful for you.
- Similarly, make sure you surround yourself with people who inspire you. I found my current employer (who offered me my dream job) by volunteering and meeting like-minded individuals. It’s been said that you’re the average of the ten people you spend the most time with. Make sure your circle uplifts you and helps you grow into the person you want to be.
- The power of humility, kindness, and compassion. Learning how to vocalize “I’m sorry” and “thank you” can go a long way in fostering your relationships with friends and colleagues. Make sure you show your appreciation to all the people who’ve helped you on your journey. It’s important to reciprocate and support your friends when they need it, too.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I’ve had several mentors throughout the years who were instrumental to my growth and success. It’s so important to form and build valuable relationships with those who are more experienced and knowledgeable — whether they’re teachers or industry experts. One day, they might even be your colleague. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel and learn all the lessons on your own. You might be surprised who’s willing to help you, if you just ask.
One of my most impactful mentors was fellow storyteller, Alex Cerball. My tenacious self cold-messaged her on LinkedIn asking what it was like working as a news reporter in Hawaiʻi. I happened to be visiting Hawaii at the time for a wedding, so she offered to give me a tour of her station where I met other journalists. At that point, my foot was already in the door, and I was offered an internship the following summer, which led to a full-time position at another Hawaii station when I graduated. My mentor’s kindness and compassion were invaluable. Because of this experience, I recently became a mentor to a new journalism grad who randomly reached out on LinkedIn. I hope to be a valuable resource to him as he looks for a job and grows his career.
Contact Info:
- Website: protectpreservehi.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/protectandpreservehawaii
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/protectandpreservehawaii
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/allisonivaldez/
