NPCA’s Sun Coast Regional Office established the Sun Coast Young Leaders Council (YLC) as part of a strategic effort to engage young professionals with diverse backgrounds, community ties, and lived experiences in national park advocacy.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) believes that engaging with the community is critical to ensuring the protection of our national parks, which is why we have a Young Leaders Council. The council brings together individuals to explore effective methods of engaging younger audiences in national park advocacy and protection.
Members are trained to serve as spokespersons, volunteers, and ambassadors for NPCA’s park protection 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 may 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 11 national park sites across Florida and inspire others to get involved in protecting the natural and cultural heritage we all love.
2025–2027 Cohort
Devon Bistarkey
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
Devon Bistarkey is a strategic communications professional whose career has spanned continents and cultures – from military public affairs roles in Europe, the Middle East and the Pentagon, contributing to the Department of Natural Resources’ storytelling efforts to leading storytelling campaigns for government organizations in Washington, D.C. She currently serves as a Senior Strategic Communications Consultant, helping federal agencies connect with the public through purposeful narratives that advance innovation and public engagement
Kaila DeSalvo
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
Kaila DeSalvo is a naturalist, conservationist, and environmental advocate with a lifelong passion for animals, nature, and preserving the beauty of our planet. She studied Environmental Science at Santa Fe College and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree with plans to continue on to a master’s in wildlife conservation.
Alia Salim
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
Alia is currently an Environmental Engineering student at Florida International University. She grew up knowing she wanted to pursue a career focusing on sustainability and infrastructure, with the hope of continuing to develop her skills in environmental conservation, sustainable design, and air/water systems.
Sophia Burghoffer
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
Originally from New Jersey, Sophia is an undergraduate at the University of Miami, majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Ecosystem Science/Policy. Her involvement in Everglades research has fueled her passion for ecology and conservation, as well as her commitment to protecting the environment. Sophia loves the outdoors and has a strong interest in wildlife and environmental policy.
Maria Angelino
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
My name is Maria Angelino and as a Southwest Florida native, I have always wanted to be outdoors- fishing, kayaking, hiking. During my undergraduate career at Dartmouth College, I had the privilege of playing softball and studying Geography and Environmental Studies. I fell in love with learning how people interacted with the environment and understanding the socioeconomic and political context of managing natural resources.
Alia Jones
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
My name is Alia Jones, and I’m a PhD student at Florida International University in the Coastal Fisheries Research Lab, where I study the foraging ecology of recreational fish species across Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.
Melinda Paduani
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
Melinda Paduani earned her PhD in Natural Resource Management from Florida International University. Starting her research career wading through the Indian River Lagoon of Central Florida, Melinda became a social scientist and community outreach leader to translate science into action. Now, she hopes to start a career in international science policy.
Caleb Hathaway
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
Born and raised in Florida, Caleb Hathaway has spent the past several years becoming accustomed to the hidden natural beauty within his state. By getting connected with nature—and at the same time seeing the massive changes impacting it—Hathaway has aspired to take action and protect the natural resources our nation has to offer. He is currently majoring in Environmental Sciences at the University of North Florida.
William McMahon
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
My name is William McMahon and I serve as the Assistant Director of Campus Sustainability at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Geography from Bishop’s University and a graduate degree in Global Sustainability from the University of South Florida.
Allison MacKenzie
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
My name is Allison MacKenzie, and I’m a recent graduate of the Harriet Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University, where I majored in Environmental Studies. I conducted my undergraduate thesis research on gopher tortoises and their habitat. I am currently aiming to continue my education via a Master’s program in ecology or a closely related field.
Alice Daria
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
Alice Daria is a Ph.D. candidate at Florida International University studying the intersection of conservation biology and sociology. She aspires to build a career advancing inclusive, community-based conservation policy and bridging science, education, and advocacy to create lasting environmental impact. In her free time, Alice enjoys hiking, kayaking, and creative writing.
Jack Ramirez
Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
Jack Ramirez was raised in South Florida, currently attending Florida International University. He is currently pursuing his bachelors of science in Environmental Studies and minor in Marine Biology. He aims to pursue a career in conservation.
