Meet our new team member: Celine Rendon

We’re pleased to introduce you to Celine Rendon, a Community Engagement Specialist working with us on temporary assignment. Celine will be helping our office's efforts to reach community members about the Climate Plan Update and will be helping to manage the Community Climate Ambassadors Program.

We asked her a few get-to-know you questions so you can learn more about her and her background.

Q: Where are you from?

For any military brat this is a hard question. I was born in Sacramento but lived in Tucson for seven years and Okinawa for nine years. I’ve been living in Texas for 5 years now and love the people here, especially growing up around a lot of different cultures.

Q: What is your educational background?

A: I recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science. My focus was in Geography and I hold a Bridging Disciplines Program certificate in Public Policy. I credit much of my knowledge and experience to community organizations like PODER. These organizations have given me many of the tools and resources for empowerment in the environmental field.

Q: Where did you work before joining our office?

A: Before joining the city, I interned with TCEQ's Nonpoint Source team. I helped develop ArcGIS layers to facilitate stakeholder-driven water quality planning and implementation. I also worked with the Office of Sustainability during the summer of 2018 as their Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Fellow. It’s great to be back!

Q: What will you be working on for the Office of Sustainability?

A: I am a Community Engagement Specialist assisting with promoting, supporting, and integrating community involvement into the 2020 Community Climate Plan update. This means applying an equity lens to all of our engagement efforts around climate planning and working to empower environmental justice efforts led by communities of color. As part of this effort, I will be managing the Community Climate Ambassadors Program.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Austin?

A: I love the Texas heat and enjoy swimming, biking, and laying out in the sun!

Q: What is the most recent (or your most favorite) sustainable thing you do in your personal life?

A: Just bought a new bike that I want to explore more of Austin with. I hope to get my friends to bike with me!

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: I really like The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri because the author explores themes of cultural identity that I have experienced in my own life.

Q: Are you a dog or a cat person?

A: I like dogs, particularly older dogs, because they tend to be more relaxed and sweet.