Alumni Update: Amanda Vasquez '12
Environmental Programs Manager and MPA
Amanda Vasquez graduated in 2012 with majors in Environmental Studies, Political Science, and Communications. Amanda started her career working for environmental nonprofits, and later transitioned to tribal government work. Her previous jobs included organizing community urban forestry projects at Our City Forest, leading a native youth environmental internship program at Sierra Native Alliance, and working on communications and policy for California Council of Land Trusts.
Next she joined Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Environmental Department working on a wide scope of environmental regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives for the tribal government and tribal businesses. This work included zero waste initiatives, project permitting, restoration projects, environmental education, and climate change planning. While working, Amanda earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy, at the USC State Capital Center in Sacramento. She graduated in 2019 with honors, and as a Dean’s Merit Scholar.
Amanda will continue her work with tribal governments in her new role as the Environmental Programs Manager for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.