Sabina Javier

Youth LEAD Program Coordinator

Sabina (pronounced sah-be-nah) (she/her) joins ETC with a profound passion for the natural world and a dedication to fostering authentic communities within it. Originally from Southern California, she spent her childhood exploring local neighborhoods and diverse ecosystems,including oceans, mountains, and deserts. Summers and winters were spent with family in Guadalajara, México. Her love for the outdoors deepened during a college backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevadas, where she discovered the joy and lessons of traversing mountain landscapes. These varied experiences have shaped her approach to outdoor education and her commitment to building inclusive outdoor communities.

Inspired by her experiences in the Sierras, Sabina earned a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UC Santa Cruz, with a minor in Sustainability Studies. During college, she expanded her outdoor skills and became an integral part of the UCSC Adventure Rec Program, where she guided backpacking and kayaking trips. This role allowed her to cultivate intentional, safe, and supportive communities through adventure and exploration.

Sabina has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of outdoor experiences on individuals’ confidence and sense of self. Driven by a fervent commitment to enhancing the accessibility of outdoor recreation, she is dedicated to creating more just and equitable spaces for other BIPOC folks. Having led numerous kayak and summer excursions with ETC, Sabina is excited to step into her new role as Youth LEAD Program Coordinator, eager to continue growing and learning alongside others.