Carol Daniela “Dani” Wilches (she/her) is thevMaryland Conservation Advocate. Originally from Colombia, Dani spent years embedded in participatory approaches with diverse communities. Dani is a sociologist by passion and public policy professional by conviction, because understanding people and changing systems go hand in hand. Before joining Nature Forward, Dani published research from different regions of Colombia on education equity and social inclusion, and supported climate advocacy at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, including the development of the Latino outreach strategy.  

Dani is drawn to the spaces where meaningful conversations happen, convinced that community wisdom is where the best policy begins. Currently she is learning pottery, planting a native pollinator garden and attempting inline skating (survival not guaranteed).