By Analise Rivero
CalTrout Policy Associate
Who are you, what do you do, and why did you pursue the career path you are on today?
My name is Analise Rivero and I am CalTrout’s new Policy Associate, based in Sacramento. I work on the development and implementation of our natural resource and water policy agenda in the California State Legislature. This includes supporting CalTrout’s organizational goals through regulatory and public funding advocacy, agency relationship-building, partnership development and other policy-related objectives that add to CalTrout’s success.
I have always been passionate about the natural world and it is my hope to protect its beauty and wonder for all the generations to come. As such, having a career where I can help influence policymakers to do right by the environment is a dream come true.
Cover Photo: Left - Young Analise, Right - Analise today
What is your favorite memory of time spent on a river/outside?
I was born and raised in Sacramento, nestled between the American and Sacramento Rivers. As such, rivers were ever present in my childhood. Some of my favorite memories have involved rafting and tubing down the river during Sacramento’s infamously hot summer days. I feel lucky to have had so many opportunities to be outdoors whether near the rivers or in one of Sacramento’s many parks. I have no doubt this played a role in my pursuing a career in conservation and why I hope to emphasize outdoor access in my work.
Which CalTrout project do you like most and why?
I like all of CalTrout’s projects, but my favorite has to be the Nigiri Project. Do I love it partially for its clever name? Absolutely. However, I also deeply appreciate the collaborative and multi-benefit effort of bringing together farmers and researchers to optimize habitat benefits for salmon and water birds, while maintaining farming on the largest floodplain of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This type of win-win project makes great sense and it is exciting to see diverse stakeholders working together.
What is it about CalTrout’s work that you find most inspiring?
I am inspired by all of CalTrout’s incredible on-the-ground work that is deeply rooted in science and partnership. I think is an effective model and it is great to reference all those projects when lobbying in the legislature.
What advice would you have for someone looking to follow a similar path to yours?
For a long time, I thought a science career was the only way to make a difference in the conservation/environmental protection space. As I got older, I realized there are so many other paths and career options that can make a difference and that is it alright to follow a more circuitous route. I felt super fulfilled once I was able to combine my natural skillset and the field I am passionate about. I think ultimately I’d recommend that people follow their instincts and be comfortable with non-traditional paths.
In 50 years, I hope California’s rivers and fish will be thriving and healthy!
My vision for California’s fish and waters is that they are accessible to all so that everyone can enjoy and cherish them!
