Mark your calendars! Upcoming forum to focus on Latina engagement in parks & trails

Join us for our upcoming forum focused on increasing engagement with Latinas in state parks with special guest speaker Luisana Méndez from Huellas Latinas! This forum will take place on Thursday, February 19, at 2pm.

Luisana Méndez is the Founder and Executive Director of Huellas Latinas, a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing access, belonging, and well-being for Latino communities through culturally responsive outdoor experiences. She is a civil engineer and urban planner with over 14 years of experience working across the public and private sectors, including municipal infrastructure, transportation, and community planning.

Through Huellas Latinas, Luisana has partnered with city, county, regional, and state park systems to co-create programs that reduce barriers, build trust, and support sustained engagement of Latino families in parks and outdoor spaces. Her work blends technical planning expertise, community-centered engagement, and lived experience as a Latina immigrant, offering a practical and grounded approach to inclusive public space design.

If you would like to submit questions in advance, please email greatermnparkstrails@gmail.com.