Francis Mendoza - Belonging, Episode 2

Outside Voices Podcast

A self-described #AsianOutsider, Francis Mendoza (he/they/sila) seeks a sense of belonging in the outdoors for all through his work as a naturalist, environmental educator, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (JEDAI) consultant. Part of that is recognizing all the ways his family, who immigrated from the Philippines when Francis was five, is "outdoorsy": cooking adobo on road trips, rolling lumpia at family parties, and gathering all the cousins for a day at the local park. In this episode, Francis shares early memories, his intention to learn about his indigeneity and ancestry as he "redefines outdoorsy", and his commitment to sharing his love for nature with his two daughters.

"Belonging” features four individuals who identify as immigrants or first-generation, and shares stories about their personal and cultural connections to the outdoors. Launched between Canada Day (July 1st) and American Independence Day (July 4th), "Belonging" challenges and redefines notions of what it means to be “outdoorsy,” or “American,” or “Canadian," and celebrates everybody’s right to find belonging outside.

This miniseries is made in partnership with Merrell. Featured in this episode: Francis Mendoza Hosted by Sarah Shimazaki Edited by Sarah Shimazaki & Jeff Alvarez A production of Resource Media

Album artwork by Ezra Manjarrez