This piece comes to us from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). To honor Black History Month, WCS and Nature are sharing stories of nature and conservation.
Growing up in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments, I never imagined I would one day work in conservation, bridging the gap between government, communities, and environmental advocacy. As the youngest of four siblings and the first of them to graduate from college, I had to navigate challenges without a roadmap. My love for public service, policy, and—eventually—conservation was shaped by a deep-seated belief in equity and access for all.
As a child, one of my favorite escapes was visiting the Bronx Zoo. It was one of the few places where I could immerse myself in a world that felt so different from my surroundings. I was captivated by the animals, the expansive park space, and the idea that beyond my neighborhood there were vast landscapes worth exploring and protecting. Those visits unknowingly planted a seed that would blossom into a career dedicated to conservation and community engagement.
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Tiara at the Bronx Zoo sea lion pool with her beloved sea lions. Photo: ©WCS.
As a Community Affairs Representative & Intern Program Manager for the New York State Senate, I developed a keen understanding of public policy, government relations, and community advocacy. I managed a portfolio of up to 80 constituent cases simultaneously, working with government agencies and nonprofits to assist with issues related to housing, immigration, and unemployment. I also implemented an internship program that provided young people with firsthand experience in public service, mentorship, and civic engagement.
Government policies impact every aspect of our lives, including the environment. Working in public affairs helped me understand that conservation isn’t just about protecting nature. It’s about advocating for policies that ensure that marginalized communities have access to green spaces. It’s understanding the connection of zoos and aquariums to other cultural institutions. It’s about the educational opportunities these organizations provide for the public.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) manages the Bronx Zoo and four other zoological parks in New York City, including the New York Aquarium, the Central Park Zoo, the Queens Zoo, and the Prospect Park Zoo. When I joined WCS, I initially saw it as an opportunity to merge my skills in public affairs with my passion for advocacy. But the more I’ve worked in this space, the more I’ve come to love and identify with our conservation mission.
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Tiara in Albany during her time working for the NYS Senate with State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-33), May 2023. Photo ©WCS.
My role as an Associate Manager of Government & Community Affairs allows me to coordinate high-profile events, facilitate community programs, and connect policymakers with conservation efforts. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is overseeing the Community Access Program, which provides free or discounted admission to underserved communities.
Many children growing up in neighborhoods like mine don’t have the financial privilege to access places like the zoo. Ensuring that families, schools, and community groups can experience the wonder of wildlife, just as I did as a child, is deeply personal to me. Representation isn’t just about who is working in the field. It’s also about who gets to experience and engage with it.
Despite the demands of my job, I always find time to enjoy the environment I work in. Among my favorite moments each day are eating breakfast in front of the lions and later taking a break to watch the sea lions. These quiet moments remind me of why I do this work—to ensure that future generations can experience these incredible animals and understand the importance of protecting them.
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Tiara, attending the 2024 New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Caucus Weekend. Photo ©WCS.
In addition to my work in government affairs, I am also proud to co-lead the Black Leadership and Advancement Consortium (B.L.A.C.) at WCS. As a Black woman in conservation, I understand the challenges of navigating predominantly white spaces in science and environmental advocacy. B.L.A.C. was created to foster a more inclusive work environment, support Black professionals, and advocate for equitable career advancement opportunities.
Through this initiative, I help organize professional development workshops, networking events, and policy discussions aimed at increasing Black representation in conservation. It is essential that young Black professionals see that they belong in this field and that they have the support to grow and thrive. Environmental issues disproportionately impact communities of color, yet Black voices are often underrepresented in decision-making spaces. My work with B.L.A.C. is about changing that narrative.
My journey—from growing up in NYCHA housing to working in the State Senate and now, in conservation—is a testament to what is possible when passion meets opportunity. I want young Black girls, especially those from under-resourced communities, to know that they, too, can break into spaces where they may not have traditionally been represented. Conservation, like policy, needs diverse voices advocating for change. Black women are leaders, advocates, and changemakers.
Our voice matters and deserves to be part of the movement shaping a better world for future generations.
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