We’re excited to introduce two Legislative Fellows, Jonathan Rodriguez and Molly Wampler, who will be supporting our legislative and communications work during the 2021 Idaho Legislative session. Jonathan and Molly will be learning the ins and outs of the legislative session, strategic communications, and conservation advocacy. We hope you join us in welcoming these two bright and talented Fellows to our team for the session. Here’s a little bit more about them:
Jonathan Rodriguez
“I was born in a small town in Colorado called Montrose. Although I was born in Colorado, I’ve lived most of my life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and the Treasure Valley Area. During high school, I became interested in not only empowering myself, but in someday empowering others. I looked up to Mahatma Gandhi, and truly admired how he impacted our world. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” is one of my life mottos that I acquired in high school, and it has stuck with me ever since.
I knew that I’ve always wanted to help people, so my plan was to become a psychologist. I later realized that this wasn’t truly my passion, and that I would rather help people and the environment through either policy or non profit work. I then decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, where I began learning about the environment, people and policy, as well as how they are all connected. I then took a year-long break trying to figure out what to do next, and decided that a Master’s Degree in Public Administration was the way to go.
This is where I’m currently at in my life. I’m expecting to graduate with my MPA this upcoming May (fingers crossed). During my time in school, I’ve worked in fast food, in HR and at various internships. I’ve developed different sets of skills in these diverse work environments. In my spare time, I like to sing, play soccer, watch UFC, play chess, weight lift, play smash bros, listen to music and go on hikes. I hope to one day become amazing enough at singing, that I gain fame on social media.”
Molly Wampler
Molly moved to Idaho in 2019 after graduating from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. There, she studied political science and environmental policy and got to spend her free time exploring (and falling in love with!) the Pacific Northwest.
Before CVI, Molly worked as an assistant producer on Boise State Public Radio’s daily show Idaho Matters.
Molly spends as much time outside as she can, but has a particular fondness for biking, hiking, and recently, climbing. After finally accepting that snow sports just aren’t her thing, this winter has been alllll about hot springs.