NPCA’s Texas Regional Office created the Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council (YLC) as part of a strategic effort to engage young professionals with diverse backgrounds, community ties, and lived experiences. The goal is to help them develop their voices, speak up for our national parks, and grow our network of young advocates and volunteers.
About the Texas YLC
The Texas Young Leaders Council is a group of emerging professionals who support NPCA’s work in Texas. As an extension of the Texas Regional Council, the YLC collaborates with NPCA staff and council members to educate communities, business leaders, and elected officials on the challenges and opportunities facing our national parks.
Members are trained to serve as spokespersons, volunteers, and ambassadors for NPCA’s campaigns. Through workshops such as NPCA’s Civic Voice Workshop, members strengthen their public engagement skills and put them into action by connecting with decision-makers. Members also have the opportunity to volunteer at events hosted by NPCA or held at National Park Service sites and may participate in a park visit during their term.
By combining their talents and passion, YLC members help build awareness of the 18 national park sites across Texas and inspire others to get involved in protecting the natural and cultural places we all love.
2026–2027 YLC Cohort
Lana Omar
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
My name is Lana Omar, and I’m a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in History. As a Palestinian, I’m passionate about researching the history of my people, with a focus on the genocide, occupation, and oppression they have faced under Zionism. Through my studies, I aim to deepen my understanding of these struggles and examine how they have shaped both Palestinian experiences and the broader geopolitical landscape. My favorite National Park is the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument because of its powerful historical significance. Emmett Till’s story is a vital part of American history that must never be forgotten, and I believe it’s important to honor and remember the impact it continues to have on our society today.
Joseph Dilley
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Currently a History Major at the University of Texas - San Antonio, Joseph believes that history comes from more than texts and artifacts but from all places and things. With years of experience in customer service and volunteer work he has developed the skills required in public discourse and understands the need to speak up. A passion for nature and a love for people drives Joseph to better his community and create opportunities for the next generation to experience the wonder of National Parks. Most importantly Joseph is a die-hard Spurs fan, Go Spurs Go!
Alexander Ivey
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Alexander Ivey is a sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio, pursuing a B.A. in History and a minor in the Russian language. This year will be his first on the NPCA’s Young Leader Council, hoping for many more. He hopes to use the resources and experience gained through the NPCA to help make a better world.
Hailey Aguilar
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Hello, my name is Hailey Aguilar and I am an undergraduate History major. I am passionate about preserving historical narratives and using history as a tool to better understand and address today’s challenges. My goal is to work in the field of preservation and education, where I can promote research, protect cultural heritage, and highlight the importance of historical context in shaping our future. Through the National Parks Conservation Association’s Texas Young Leaders Council, I look forward to contributing to the preservation of our shared stories and spreading awareness to advance the protection of our national parks.
Marina Kugler
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
I’m an Austin TX native and 2024 graduate from The University of Texas with a degree in Communication and Leadership. I am currently starting my second year as Event Coordinator at Austin PBS, which I love because of how I get to engage with my community and create experiences that bring people together. In my free time, I love taking photos of the world around me with my 35mm film camera, running, and seeing live music. I’ve been very fortunate to take many road trips to explore 15 different national and state parks and counting.
Arianna Medina
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Arianna is a junior at Trinity University studying Political Science and History. Some of her previous undergraduate research includes studies on the connection between historical, discriminatory policies in the South and the present-day persistence of rural poverty. She is passionate about public policy, social justice, and student advocacy. Arianna is committed to fostering inclusive communities and amplifying underrepresented voices in political and educational spaces.
Annabelle Nugent
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Annabelle Nugent is a sophomore at Trinity University majoring in Political Science and Communications. She grew up in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, spending as much of her childhood as possible outdoors. Annabelle is passionate about civic engagement and advocacy, and hopes to expand access to nature so that all individuals can engage with it meaningfully. Her favorite activities include camping, theatre, and making friendship bracelets. Her favorite national park is Big Bend National Park.
Brandon Stark
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Brandon Stark is based in San Antonio, Texas, and a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Geography, as well as a graduate certificate in Historic Preservation. Brandon’s interest in and connection to the National Park System began during his college years and continued into his postgraduate career when he joined the Texas Conservation Corps, working at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. There, his work focused on the environmental preservation and maintenance of the thirteen miles of historic acequias that span the park.
Holly Barron
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Holly Barron is a student at The University of Texas at San Antonio studying for her B.A. in Communications with a concentration of Public Relations. She joined NPCA’s Texas Young Leaders Council in 2026 and is based in San Antonio, Texas. She has earned her A.A. in Journalism from Northwest Vista College, one of the five community colleges in the Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio, Texas.
Lillian Haynes
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Lillian O. Haynes is a biliterate, university & departmental honors student who attended Texas A&M and graduated in 2026 with a BA in International Affairs, with minors in Spanish and Hispanic Studies. She is an Undergraduate Research Scholar, having earned awards for her bilingual capstone on coastal access disputes in Puerto Rico. She is currently earning her Master’s Degree in International Affairs at The Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Rachel Sherman
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Rachel is a student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Sustainability Studies with a minor in Global Sustainability Leadership. She is interested in environmental education, public lands, and making sustainability more accessible and engaging across different communities.
Rylee Wenzel
Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council
Rylee Wenzel is a graduate student at Lamar University pursuing an M.A. in English. Growing up in different places allowed her to foster an appreciation for the beauty that is in this country and a love for our national parks. She believes the preservation of history within the parks is important. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, cross stitching, and watching horror movies.
