Luisana Mendez (She, Her, Ella)

Founder & Executive Director

Luisana Méndez is a civil engineer and urban planner, originally from Venezuela, with over 15 years of experience in urban planning and community projects in both the public and private sectors. Her career combines strategic vision, leadership, and a deep commitment to collective well-being.

In 2021, she founded Huellas Latinas with a simple idea: to create spaces where the Latino community could reconnect with nature and with each other. What began as a hike has become an organization that today promotes well-being, leadership, and a sense of belonging through year-round outdoor experiences.

As Executive Director, Luisana leads the organization’s strategic vision, develops partnerships, and creates programs that strengthen equitable access to nature. She holds certifications in Wilderness First Aid and as a Forest Therapy guide, reaffirming her commitment to safety and care in every experience.

For her, Huellas Latinas is more than an organization: it is a vibrant community that demonstrates that nature is also a space of belonging.

Cristina Tobón (She, Her, Ella)

Program Coordinator

Cristina is an industrial engineer and marketing specialist, born in Medellín, Colombia. With extensive experience in sales leadership and operational management, she brings a combination of strategic vision and a human-centered approach to Huellas Latinas.

She has lived in Minnesota since 2021 and has been an active part of Huellas Latinas since its inception, first as a participant and volunteer, and now as Operations Coordinator. In this role, she strengthens the planning, organization, and monitoring of our programs, ensuring that every experience reflects our values ​​of well-being, inclusion, and community.

Passionate about the outdoors, camping, and holistic wellness, she firmly believes in the power of community as a space for growth and connection.

An outdoor enthusiast, Oscar finds peace and connection in nature. He enjoys walking his dog, kayaking, and fishing, and sharing with others the benefits these experiences bring to physical and mental well-being. As a volunteer with Huellas Latinas, he has found community, family, and a way to reconnect with his cultural and natural roots.

Mayra, a proud Mexican, volunteers with Huellas Latinas, contributing her time and energy to strengthen the community. She enjoys nature and values ​​spaces where she can connect, learn, and grow alongside others.

Originally from Mexico, Gaby arrived in Minnesota three years ago and discovered in Huellas Latinas a way to reconnect with her community while enjoying nature in all its seasons. A lover of autumn and outdoor activities, she now volunteers her time to give back to the community some of what she has received.

Originally from Mexico and a mother of three, Magdalena found in Huellas Latinas a way to combine her love of nature with a desire to serve her community. As a volunteer, she enjoys supporting other families, sharing experiences, and learning from the rich cultural heritage that unites us.

Originario de Venezuela, Rodney se unió a Huellas Latinas en 2024 motivado por su amor por la naturaleza y el deseo de compartir experiencias al aire libre con la comunidad. Disfruta especialmente las actividades acuáticas como el kayak y la canoa, y en Minnesota descubrió su entusiasmo por el snowboarding. Cree que el contacto con la naturaleza nos ayuda a recargar energía y fortalecer tanto el cuerpo como el espíritu.

Venezuelan at heart, Emperatriz finds in nature a space for movement, joy, and resilience. As a grandmother and lover of the good life, she deeply values ​​shared time and connection with others. Her guiding principle—”with arthritis, you either move or it immobilizes you”—summarizes her attitude toward life: to remain active, present, and always ready to discover new paths.

Originally from Mexico, Luisa discovered her connection with nature in Minnesota. Over the past five years, together with her family and Huellas Latinas, she has enjoyed hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and many moments outdoors that have helped them step away from their daily routines and strengthen their family bonds. As a volunteer, she finds motivation, companionship, and a caring community in Huellas Latinas that makes her feel at home.

Born and raised in Colombia, Catalina has lived in Minnesota for 15 years, where she has built a deep sense of community and belonging. She enjoys hiking, crafts, and puzzles, combining her love for nature with a creative and detail-oriented personality. She has a special ability to turn chaos into structure—organizing spaces, simplifying processes, and planning are things she genuinely enjoys. As a Huellas Latinas volunteer, she brings that combination of creativity, organization, and community spirit to every project she is part of.

Growing up in Honduras and now living in Minnesota sparked Wilmer’s deep interest in bird migration and its connection to our own experiences of migration. To him, birds remind us that migration is also part of life’s natural cycles. He is passionate about fostering collaboration to protect bird habitats, promoting bird tourism as a conservation tool, and making the benefits of nature more accessible to diverse communities. At Huellas Latinas, he values finding a space where conservation, outdoor access, and community come together in practice.

Originally from Mexico, Mayda deeply enjoys outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and exploring new natural spaces. For her, family and connection are at the heart of everything. As a volunteer with Huellas Latinas, she shares her energy and dedication to creating experiences that strengthen well-being and community.

An outdoor enthusiast, Yeferson enjoys connecting with nature and discovering the benefits that each experience can offer. Through Huellas Latinas, he has found a community where he can explore, share, and enjoy every moment in a meaningful way. As a volunteer, he values the energy, connection, and sense of community that make every adventure a unique experience.

Growing up surrounded by nature in a small town in the Venezuelan Andes allowed Eduin to develop a deep connection with the natural world from an early age and to understand its value as a source of balance and well-being. Today, Huellas Latinas gives him a way to keep that connection alive while discovering new landscapes, sharing experiences, and learning about the diverse cultures within the Latino community. He strongly believes that connecting with nature strengthens both mind and body while helping us build a greater sense of belonging in the places we call home.