meet the board

Growing up in Honduras and living in the midwest sparked my interest in migratory connectivity of birds. Of particular interest the migratory route of Golden-winged Warblers that breed in Northern MN/WI and winter in Honduras/Nicaragua region. Always pursuing collaboration between organizations in North/Neotropic region whose goals include bird habitat protection and promote role of avitourism in conservation.

I'm also interested in showing a more diverse group of folks the benefits of the outdoors and understand what type of barriers prevent them from doing so

Since I was a child, I had a fascination with birds, the American Robin being my favorite. I then fell in love with raptors due to their power and grace. I want to help spread the joy that I have derived from birding to more and more people! Without thoughtful conservation, it will be nearly impossible to encounter the birds we desire to observe; without thoughtful conservation, birds won’t be able to be seen by people, and it’s the people who will keep moving conservation forward.

My passion for bird conservation and environmental education began with my first field research job in 2006 in the grasslands of South Dakota. I moved to Minnesota a year later to work for The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. Since then I have designed and manage the environmental education program of Audubon Minnesota, the state conservation office of the National Audubon Society. Much of my work focuses on integrating arts education into environmental education within Minnesota communities. Art and science have long worked together to inspire and educate people around the globe and throughout history. Audubon's very own beginnings are rooted in the arts!

I loved birds growing up, but did not begin birding until I hiked the Appalachian Trail at the ago of 40—listening to and learning warbler calls helped keep me going mile after mile. Since then, I’ve brought my passion for birding and nature to Powderhorn Park, where I bird on a daily basis. I’ve also recently changed careers to natural resources management, where I’m learning about protecting natural habitat for birds and other animals and plants.

As a science communicator, I love to engage the curiosity of people who notice and appreciate birds, but may not identify as birders. My enthusiasm for helping strengthen people’s connection to the outdoors originates in Morocco's Atlas Mountains where I spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer collaborating with teachers to develop environmental education and science curricula.

The vibrant world of birds beckons us to a richer, more immersive experience in our backyard and urban environments-through my work with Audubon I strive to extend this invitation to an ever-widening range of audiences.

Birds have been a constant source of joy in my life and being able to protect birds in our urban cities is a goal of mine as both a city planner and landscape architect. My passion for bird conservation began as a child, raising money for the brown pelicans effected by the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, and I have carried this passion into my adulthood. As a Master of Landscape Architecture student, birds have a special place in every project I work on. Whether that be an entire garden dedicated to pigeon nesting or a humble pond for geese to land, birds always have a place in my work and my heart.

As an eight-year riverfront Minneapolis City Council Member, Diane led key Riverfront and environmental initiatives and began the rebirth of the Mississippi Riverfront as Chair of the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership.

Diane serves as co-founder and Chair of the Great River Coalition, an environmental non-profit, known for the annual Earth Day Run, Walk & River Clean Up, now in its ninth year of organizing the annual Earth Day Bee run, walk and river clean up. Proceeds have contributed to the renewal of the Minneapolis River front and of the University of St. Catherine, St. Paul campus. In addition to her membership on the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis Board she has served the Audubon Board as an active member of the Advocacy Committee. Diane serves on the Guthrie Board of Directors, MinnPost Board of Directors, Board Member of the Exchange Club of East Minneapolis, has served on the Save the Boundary Waters Board of Directors, and has served the American Swedish Institute Board of Trustees.

To all of her commitments and passions, Diane brings leadership, a diverse network, coalition-building, goal and outcome orientation, and caring engagement with a focus on bird habitat and protection.

I've been interested in birding since my grandfather, who was an avid birder, took me on birding hikes throughout the Manitowoc area when I was young. Admittedly, my enthusiasm waned during college and after I met my wife and my interest was re-kindled. And thus, here we are.

From a business experience perspective, I have a JD and have worked extensively in the supply chain area, which has given me a working knowledge of the budgeting process and general accounting for businesses large and small.

As a dedicated board member of the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, I bring three decades of personal passion and expertise in birding. With a lifelong enjoyment of birding and a deep commitment to conservation, I actively engage in habitat restoration efforts, utilizing native plants to create vital bird habitats. My legal background, combined with a BA and MS in biology and a certificate in ecological restoration, equips me with a unique perspective to address complex conservation issues. I am particularly passionate about advocating for bird welfare, with a keen focus on mitigating window strikes, addressing cat predation, and combatting habitat destruction and degradation. Through my multifaceted approach to advocacy and conservation, I am dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for our avian companions.