NPCA’s Texas Regional Office created the Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council (YLC) as part of a strategic effort to engage young professionals with diverse backgrounds, community ties, and lived experiences. The goal is to help them develop their voices, speak up for our national parks, and grow our network of young advocates and volunteers.
About the Texas YLC
The Texas Young Leaders Council is a group of emerging professionals who support NPCA’s work in Texas. As an extension of the Texas Regional Council, the YLC collaborates with NPCA staff and council members to educate communities, business leaders, and elected officials on the challenges and opportunities facing our national parks.
Members are trained to serve as spokespersons, volunteers, and ambassadors for NPCA’s campaigns. Through workshops such as NPCA’s Civic Voice Workshop, members strengthen their public engagement skills and put them into action by connecting with decision-makers. Members also have the opportunity to volunteer at events hosted by NPCA or held at National Park Service sites and may participate in a park visit during their term.
By combining their talents and passion, YLC members help build awareness of the 18 national park sites across Texas and inspire others to get involved in protecting the natural and cultural places we all love.
2025–2026 Cohort
Arianna Medina
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Arianna is a junior at Trinity University studying Political Science and History. Some of her previous undergraduate research includes studies on the connection between historical, discriminatory policies in the South and the present-day persistence of rural poverty. She is passionate about public policy, social justice, and student advocacy. Arianna is committed to fostering inclusive communities and amplifying underrepresented voices in political and educational spaces.
Thomas Melina Raab
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Thomas Melina Raab is a student athlete at Trinity University, studying communications, history and sports management while running cross country and track. During the beginning of his career, he has spent time working in sports communications and non-profit work with the likes of the San Antonio Spurs, USA Basketball and The Nature Conservancy, among others. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Thomas is excited to continue using his skills for impactful causes, including conserving our national parks.
Marina Kugler
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
I’m an Austin TX native and 2024 graduate from The University of Texas with a degree in Communication and Leadership. I am currently starting my second year as Event Coordinator at Austin PBS, which I love because of how I get to engage with my community and create experiences that bring people together. In my free time, I love taking photos of the world around me with my 35mm film camera, running, and seeing live music. I’ve been very fortunate to take many road trips to explore 15 different national and state parks and counting.
Hailey Aguilar
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Hello, my name is Hailey Aguilar and I am an undergraduate History major. I am passionate about preserving historical narratives and using history as a tool to better understand and address today’s challenges. My goal is to work in the field of preservation and education, where I can promote research, protect cultural heritage, and highlight the importance of historical context in shaping our future. Through the National Parks Conservation Association’s Texas Young Leaders Council, I look forward to contributing to the preservation of our shared stories and spreading awareness to advance the protection of our national parks.
Alexander Ivey
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Alexander Ivey is a sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio, pursuing a B.A. in History and a minor in the Russian language. This year will be his first on the NPCA’s Young Leader Council, hoping for many more. He hopes to use the resources and experience gained through the NPCA to help make a better world.
Aden Acrey
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
My name is Aden Acrey and I am a Senior Honors Student at Texas Tech University, majoring in History and General Studies. I have always had a deep appreciation of National Parks and public lands. Protecting National Parks for future generations is crucial in preserving our history and heritage, and being a council member with the National Parks Conservation Association has given me the opportunity to do so. So far I have been to 58 National Park Sites, and I’m always looking to visit more! In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with my dogs.
Sarah Bass
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
I’m outgoing and driven by my passions. I’m willing to seize the moment when given the chance, and take full advantage of the opportunities given to me. I deeply care about the environment and the purpose that the outdoors serves in all of our lives. My appreciation for the natural world has created a passion to protect it, and I aim to follow this passion through my studies. One of the main purposes of my studies is figuring out how to realistically and adequately meet the needs of the environment with the support of the government.
Joseph Dilley
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Currently a History Major at the University of Texas - San Antonio, Joseph believes that history comes from more than texts and artifacts but from all places and things. With years of experience in customer service and volunteer work he has developed the skills required in public discourse and understands the need to speak up. A passion for nature and a love for people drives Joseph to better his community and create opportunities for the next generation to experience the wonder of National Parks. Most importantly Joseph is a die-hard Spurs fan, Go Spurs Go!
Lana Omar
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
My name is Lana Omar, and I’m a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in History. As a Palestinian, I’m passionate about researching the history of my people, with a focus on the genocide, occupation, and oppression they have faced under Zionism. Through my studies, I aim to deepen my understanding of these struggles and examine how they have shaped both Palestinian experiences and the broader geopolitical landscape. My favorite National Park is the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument because of its powerful historical significance. Emmett Till’s story is a vital part of American history that must never be forgotten, and I believe it’s important to honor and remember the impact it continues to have on our society today.
David Fuentes
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Hello! I’m David and from San Antonio. I’m currently pursuing my master’s in accounting and have always had a love for the outdoors and nature. My hobbies include reading, hiking, and amateur astronomy.
