Leyda Alvarado Ramirez was born in Puebla, Mexico and came to the United States when she was 3 years old. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Environmental Studies.

Her passion for the environment started in high school, she served as a volunteer for the Los Angeles Zoo educating children ages 3-12 about the animals at the zoo along with topics such as the water cycle. She completed the San Gabriel Mountains Leadership Academy in which engages in the protection of our mountains, rivers, and parks with access for all, particularly among communities of color in the Los Angeles area.

In college her passion for environmental justice grew, leading her to conduct research on the intersection between environmental justice and the United States prison system. During her free time, she enjoys taking her nieces to the science center, listening to music, going on hikes at Griffith Park, concerts, and walks at the beach. She is dedicated to continuing her engagement in the protection of public lands through activism and community involvement.