Jesús F. Sánchez, M.S, CPRP is currently the Manager – Youth Outdoors at Cleveland Metroparks.
Born in Carolína, Puerto Rico, Jesús Sánchez moved to Lorain, Ohio with his family at a young age. He studied Biology at the University of Findlay earning a B.Sc. and later obtained his Master of Science in Biology/Plant Ecology from John Carroll University. From 2006 to 2013, he worked in various capacities with the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Green Corps program that focused on high school age youth in Cleveland using urban agriculture as a catalyst for work and life skills. Jesús became Director of Programs for Esperanza Inc. in 2013, where he directed program staff as well as six outreach and educational support programs within the Cleveland Hispanic and Latino community. Passionate about experiential learning, Jesús’ move to Education Director for the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center where he collaborated extensively with the National Park System developing an environmental education curriculum, providing teacher professional development, and working towards an institutional culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity. Additionally, Jesús is a Case Western Reserve University Treu-Mart Fellow as well as a UnidosUS National Institute for Latino School Leaders fellow advocating for equitable opportunities for underrepresented and underinvested youth. Currently, Jesús is an Outdoor Recreation Manager with Cleveland Metroparks Youth Outdoors program. Youth Outdoors works with youth in Cleveland to provide experiences in nature and develop skills in outdoor recreation.