Community Engagement Staff
Amanda Fong
Amanda Fong
Community Engagement Supervisor
Amanda Fong started working at Three Rivers in 2013 and currently serves as the Community Engagement Supervisor. Amanda seeks to build genuine relationships, to be a connector of people and ideas and ultimately to increase equitable access to outdoor spaces and experiences.
She finds a sense of peace in the outdoors and especially enjoys bike rides, family camping trips, being near or on water as often as possible and hiking along trails all year round.
Bisharo Jama
Bisharo Jama
Cultural and Community Liaison
As a Cultural and Community Liaison, Bisharo builds relationships with local community groups and leaders within the Muslim community to develop pathways to learn about and access the wealth of outdoor resources available at Three Rivers.
Her connection to nature has long been a core part of Bisharo’s life, from her childhood growing up in a nomadic background in Somalia, to her studies and certifications in personal training, herbalism and nutrition, to her commitment to consuming whole foods/building a sustainable and whole diet for herself and her 4 amazing kids.
With endless passion and drive, she’s an incredible advocate for helping people find and foster a connection to nature.
David Carson
David Carson
Community and Cultural Liaison
David is a Dakota man, a grandfather, father, uncle and son. He is Three Rivers’ Community and Cultural Liaison for Native communities/families.
David has a passion for uplifting the hearts and minds of others through restorative practices, such as healing, talking circles, along with lots of laughter. David enjoys serving his community as a first responder and a positive male role model and mentor for many young people.
Jennifer Nieto
Jennifer Nieto
Community and Cultural Liaison
Jennifer, a Community and Cultural Liaison, focuses on connecting the Latino community in the northern part of the District to the many parks and the various programs available. Passionate about community building and access to nature, Jennifer is excited to help create welcoming outdoor spaces for all.
During the summer, she’s channeling her love for the environment into building her very first pollinator garden—a project that perfectly reflects her enthusiasm for growth, learning and sustainability.
Giannina Posner
Giannina Posner
Community Engagement Coordinator
As a Community Engagement Coordinator, Giannina is dedicated to connecting Latino and other underrepresented communities with the enriching experiences offered by the park.
Bilingual in Spanish, she develops and implements a range of programs, activities, and projects designed to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities. She also coordinates the Recreation Pass Plus assistance program, ensuring equitable access to park resources.
Her commitment to community extends beyond her professional role and she is actively involved in various community initiatives. In her spare time, you can find Giannina dancing and singing karaoke.
Leah Manuel
Leah Manuel
Community Outreach Programmer
Community Outreach Programmer, Leah, plays a key role in expanding access to outdoor recreation for underrepresented communities. With a deep commitment to inclusivity, Leah also supports our team's wellness initiatives and is a Certified Forest Bathing Guide who helps people connect with nature in mindful, restorative ways.
Outside of her work in the parks, Leah brings a rich cultural background as a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, a classical Indian art form that reflects her lifelong appreciation for movement, tradition and storytelling.
Marla Martinez
Marla Martinez
Community Engagement Coordinator
As one of our Community Engagement Coordinators, Marla helps connect people to the outdoors. She coordinates and leads introductory camping and biking programs, working to make outdoor recreation accessible and welcoming for all.
Originally from Texas, Marla brings her genuine enthusiasm to everything she does—especially when it comes to college football, which she is very passionate about. When she's not on the trails with her two corgis or officiating as a certified cycling referee, you’ll likely find her mountain biking—her favorite way to enjoy the outdoors.
Nadia Hussain
Nadia Hussain
Community Engagement Project Lead
Nadia is the Community Engagement Project Lead, helping to coordinate and implement processes that keep the team running smoothly. Driven by a passion for equity and inclusion, Nadia is committed to creating accessible and welcoming outdoor experiences—because she believes nature is for everyone.
Outside of work, you’ll often find her out for a run, planning her next travel adventure or exploring new restaurants around town.
Nicole Fernandez
Nicole Fernandez
Community and Cultural Liaison
Nicole is a Community and Cultural Liaison, where she creates welcoming outdoor experiences for BIPOC communities. Her work bridges nature, culture, and public health through forest therapy, water safety education and community-rooted engagement.
Nicole assisted with the development of a partnership with V3 Sports focused on community water safety and was a collaborator for the cardiac health curriculum with the University of Minnesota's C2DREAM Nature Uplift Study.
With professional certifications in Forest Therapy and Community Health Work, Nicole believes in the power of nature to restore, connect and build equity across generations.
Connect With Us
If you are interested in connecting with our community engagement staff, please email Nadia Hussain.
Early requests are encouraged.