Ana is a community development and sustainability professional whose planning approach is rooted in community organizing, relationship building, and the belief that lasting change happens when the people most affected by decisions help shape them. With nearly 15 years of experience working at the intersection of housing, climate resilience, food systems, and social equity, she specializes in affordable housing, strategic community development, policy development, and community engagement. Ana is passionate about creating processes that bring together community members, government agencies, and stakeholders to build shared understanding and develop solutions that help entire communities thrive. Before joining Sites, Ana spent more than a decade working in advocacy, organizing, and public policy at the local, state, and national levels. Her experience includes designing and implementing social impact programs, facilitating complex community conversations, and advancing policy initiatives focused on sustainability, economic opportunity, and equitable access to resources. Most recently, she contributed to national advocacy efforts with the National Young Farmers Coalition, helping shape policy discussions around the Farm Bill and agricultural resilience. Ana believes planning is most effective when it builds on community strengths, uplifts local knowledge, and creates opportunities for people to shape their own futures. She enjoys collaborating with communities to protect natural resources, steward water, expand housing opportunities, and create resilient systems that support future generations. Outside of work, Ana runs a community farm, hosts volunteer days, and enjoys live music, Latin dance, hiking, and meaningful conversations over a cup of tea. A fun fact about Ana: she is a passionate dancer who loves turning spontaneous adventures into lifelong community connections.
Ana earned a Master of Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico in 2023 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fort Lewis College in 2013.