40 under 40: Adrian Escobedo, U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Tahoe Chamber | August 15, 2018 | 40 Under 40

As a Forest Civil Rights Officer, Adrian Escobedo helps make the Lake Tahoe Basin more inclusive to visitors and employees, and he’s managed multiple programs to help promote the next generation of environmental stewards.

He’s heavily involved in the community outside of work, too—as a Little League baseball coach, a mentor at the SOS Outreach Program, and more.

Congratulations to Adrian Escobedo, the latest honoree of our 40 under 40 series!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

I am currently serving as the Forest Civil Rights Officer for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), U.S. Forest Service. I am responsible for providing advice and guidance concerning equal employment opportunity and civil rights programs. I get the opportunity to make a difference in the inclusiveness of our programs in serving the visitors to our forest. I work with our employees as well as our partners to provide greater opportunities for the public. I also participate in local job fairs and events to offer information and instruction on how to obtain a federal job with our organization.

One of the continued successes on the LTBMU is our Generation Green of Lake Tahoe program. The program is in its 11th year of hiring local youth and introducing them to a hands-on opportunity to having a federal job in the outdoors. Although I facilitated the process of bringing the program to Tahoe from Fresno and got to be the first crew supervisor, I now work to support the great staff here. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work around great people who value what they do for the public and this community. I am always amazed at the dedication of all of my coworkers in managing the land and serving the people.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

I wrote the winning submission for our Blue Waters Exchange program for a Regional Foresters Award. Blue Waters is a collaborative youth engagement program between the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Hawaiian Islands (Kupu) that values and celebrates the next generation of environmental stewards.

The Blue Waters Program aims to provide Hawaiian and Lake Tahoe Basin students with increased environmental literacy and awareness, broad understanding of Region 5 natural resource management challenges, and opportunities for collaborative dialogue from diverse cultures who share the value of Blue Waters. Most importantly, the program engages and empowers culturally diverse students to experience public lands while developing the next generation of environmental stewards.

Having the opportunity to witness these young adults thinking about ideas in environmental management, social justice, and about past and future generations was humbling and equally inspiring for the future of our natural resources. I also gained further respect and value for this great community of Lake Tahoe.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?

“If you want to find happiness, find gratitude” – Steve Maraboli.

There have been many great people in my life that have helped me get to where I am. I’ve learned gratitude from my parents, family, professors, supervisors and friends. These relationships have also taught me to appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given and that passing them forward to others is essential. A friend of mine gifted me a journal which I use as a gratitude journal with my kids. It reminds us of the great things that happen to us and my hope is that it will instill a sense of gratitude in them as they grow older.

What was your first job?

When I was a freshman in high school, I played on an adult baseball team and one of the players owned a company that would organize events for companies. So I got to work in the kids’ section, doing face painting and other kids games, or help cooking hamburgers and hotdogs. I learned that you can help people forget the day to day concerns and be part of their enjoyment. I also learned that I wanted to be part of managing the bigger idea versus working a small piece.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

As a single parent, Tahoe offers a great support network for me and my children. My kids are lucky enough to be in the TWBI program at Bijou with great staff. I have built great relationships within the community that provide guidance and support for me and my family. This community also offers tons of open space to explore and have fun.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I am a mentor with the SOS Outreach program helping youth with barriers gain access to the outdoors. As a young child, I had the opportunity for sports to keep me focused and SOS is a way I can give back to local youth. I have been a baseball coach with South Tahoe Little League for the past four years. This year I had the opportunity to support TAP in Dancing with Tahoe Stars, and now I provide Latin dance classes at the Tahoe Wellness Co-Op Latin Ballroom Club.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Spend time with my kids. I continue to remind my kids how fortunate they are to grow up in a place like Tahoe. Sometimes less is more, and South Lake, although small in comparison to metropolitan cities, offers so much. The open space, less congestion (even in the summer), and the opportunity for great relationships and a tighter community. I feel fortunate to raise my kids in this community. I also enjoy participating in sports such as paddleboarding, snowboarding, and playing in the South Tahoe Softball League and Lake Tahoe Soccer League.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?

Pope Beach, Heavenly, Desolation Wilderness, park playgrounds, Sidellis, Lake Tahoe Aleworx, Taqueria Jalisco, Artemis, Cliché.

Get in touch with Adrian today:
Email Adrian
U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

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