Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Spotlights: Amy Dominguez

This Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Latinx, Hispanic, and Multicultural Employee Resource Group at National Wildlife Federation are coming together to share our stories — in our own words. Join us as we explore the complexities of our identities throughout the month.

Amy in front of a mountain vista
Amy hiking in Provo Canyon.

Name: Amy Dominguez

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Position: Communications Coordinator at HECHO (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors)

What interests you about conservation?

I feel profoundly connected to our landscapes. I’ve found that they hold a unique power that can resolve anxieties, and soothe the soul. I believe that our humanity is inextricably linked to the health of our earth, and for this reason I’m passionate about protecting it. I’ve also learned that at the root of injustice across the globe is climate change. I want to repair and strengthen our connection to nature, and one way to make that possible is by advocating for conservation.

How would you describe your cultural identity? How do you identify yourself? Why?

I identify as Latina and Chicana. These are the terms I feel best describe my cultural identity as a daughter of Mexican migrants who was born in the United States.

How did you end up at the National Wildlife Federation?

After spending years in the corporate sector, I was eager to switch my career to one that aligned with my values — elevating the voices of BIPOC community members, and highlighting the power that community has to make the world a better place. I found exactly what I was looking for when I joined HECHO in 2019.

Amy Dominguez
Amy hiking at Antelope Island with her dogs Balto and Atlas.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of reflection for me. It’s a time to reckon with clashing identities, colonizer and colonized. It’s a reminder to make sure we’re aware of who is a part of the conversations taking place, and who needs to be. It’s an opportunity for us to ask questions, and challenge the narratives we’ve been ingrained with.

What is one thing you want others to know about Latinidad?

Latinidad is messy and can exclude groups, reinforcing colonial mindsets, anti-indigeneity, anti-Blackness, colorism, and so much more. The thing about it is – there is no umbrella term that can ever be used to include the various races, genders, bodies, and sexualities in terms like Latinidad, Latinx, or Hispanic.