Uriel Hernandez is a community advocate and environmental leader raised in East Palo Alto. With a background in architecture and urban forestry, Uriel has spent his career fostering green spaces in underrepresented communities. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Middlebury College in Architecture and a Master of Natural Resources from Oregon State University. Uriel is an ISA-certified arborist with experience spanning diverse roles, including his work with Canopy, the San Francisco Parks Alliance, HortScience|Bartlett Consulting, and the City of Palo Alto. He also serves on the City of East Palo Alto Planning Commission and has previously held the roles of Vice Chair and Chair.

Uriel’s commitment to environmental justice is reflected in his role on the Board of Directors for Nuestra Casa and Canopy, where he advocates for equitable access to green spaces and works to integrate intersectional approaches to urban planning and environmental sustainability. At the San Mateo County Climate Summit, Uriel will share insights on cultivating intersectional approaches to environmental justice, emphasizing community-driven solutions and sustainable urban development.