ABOUT ME
Hello beautiful people my name is Mireya Arizmendi. I was born in Mexico City, and grew up in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico. I was blessed to live in the city nicknamed, the “City of Eternal Spring,” in which rivers and abundant vegetation surrounded the neighborhood where I lived. In this magical part of the world, I enjoyed a happy childhood. Thanks to the natural open spaces, I got to dance in the rain, catch fireflies, follow the rainbows, make mud pies with my friends, and tend the land with my family. For me, those moments were among the best times of my life!
My father always taught me to love and respect the land we walk on, as we are descendants of multiple farming generations from Guerrero, Mexico. When my family moved to South Los Angeles in 1990, we continued to grow vegetables on the rooftop of our apartment building. It was not easy growing up in this community. I was in the middle of a food desert surrounded by a concrete jungle. I never saw open spaces, parks or any signs of nature. For the first time in my life, I felt hopeless and homesick. One day, I went up on the rooftop of my apartment building and there they stood, the magnificent San Gabriel Mountains. They were overpowering the tallest buildings of Los Angeles. What a beautiful sight! It was a transformative moment. I felt alive and hopeful again. I did not have the means, or the slightest idea about how to get there. But I knew that one day, I would hike those beautiful peaks and become a steward of the land.
After that life-changing experience, I became interested in advocating for the environment and the wellbeing of my community. I started to volunteer with non-profit organizations to teach vulnerable populations about edible gardening and outdoor recreation. I have consistently worked hard so that no child feels deprived of essential contact with nature like I felt living in South LA. I want to ensure that the children and their families residing in underserved communities in LA County have equal access to public lands such as, the San Gabriel Mountains and community gardens. Based on my personal and professional experience, both of these sacred and powerful places have always helped nurture families, and build strong communities in Los Angeles.
My life experiences and volunteer work shaped my academic and professional endeavors. Later in life, I earned my Master of Public Health in Health Education, and a minor in Sustainability from California State University, Northridge. I became the first-generation college graduate in my family after many years of hard work and dedication. After graduate school, I made it a goal to promote holistic health education, and regenerative ecological restoration. I continue to strive to protect our local mountains’ natural resources, endangered native plants, wildlife, and the rich biodiversity of our mountains fragile ecosystems. In addition, preserving the rich history of the early inhabitants in Los Angeles, such as the Tongva people. As a public health, garden and outdoor educator, all my work is guided and rooted in NATURE! I always look up to nature for enlightenment and inspiration. When it comes to teaching and writing lesson plans, I observe the soil the most. The soil is my roadmap to understand all living systems. The soil teaches me that everything is related and that our health is a reflection of how we treat the soil under our feet.
In conclusion, I want to thank you for visiting my website and reading about the work I do for others, the environment and myself. Reach out if you would like to know more about how to make a difference in your community or if you feel that I can help your organization. My services include: workshops, consulting and public speaking. Please email me if you have any questions. I look forward working with you.
Blessings to a healthy and happy life in the soil ☺
Truly,
Mireya A de H
