Kristian’s journey with the Appalachian Conservation Corps began in a place that was both familiar and distant: the C&O Canal. As a first-generation Latino American, Kristian carried the weight of his own family's immigrant experience.
"I understand firsthand the challenges newcomers can face in feeling a sense of belonging in a new place.” His service year was driven by a deep desire to make the canal a place of history and a welcoming space for all.
Kristian’s first significant initiative was partnering with Ranger Rosie during Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month. He reached out to local Latino businesses leveraging his understanding of the community and bilingual ability. This approach led to an increase in Latino families visiting the park and began to weave a thread of connection between the park and local Latino communities.
One of Kristian’s standout contributions was the creation of bilingual boat tours, which allowed the Latino community to explore the park’s history in their first language. To ensure the effectiveness of these tours, Kristian worked closely with local Latino community leaders to gather feedback and adapt the tours to meet their interests better. Kristian recounted one boat tour with a Latino family from the area.
“After the ride, the grandmother of the family hugged me and thanked me for my presence,” he shared. The moment underscored the power of cultural connection for Kristian and the importance of ensuring diverse communities feel welcome. Feedback from these tours indicated a significant increase in community engagement and satisfaction, leading to a noticeable increase in the park's Latino visitor base.
Kristian’s impact extended beyond engaging with Latino communities. His innovative "Loteria" project, a culturally adapted version of the traditional bingo game, was a resounding success in connecting different cultural groups. Kristian organized Lotería events at the visitor center in Williamsport, MD, and incorporated local cultural elements to make the game relevant and engaging for diverse audiences.
“Creating the game was not just about entertainment; it made me realize the power of using familiar cultural traditions to spark interest.”
The game brought Spanish-speaking visitors into the fold while introducing non-Spanish speakers to new words and concepts. The Lotería sessions were filled with laughter and friendly competition, bridging gaps and building community through a shared cultural experience.
Kristian’s efforts also aimed to build bridges between the park and other diverse groups around the community. He created events and projects highlighting diverse histories and contributions to foster mutual understanding and respect. During African American History Month, Kristian designed a poster that celebrated the contributions of African Americans to the canal’s development. The poster was displayed prominently at the park and featured in local media outlets, increasing awareness of the African American contributions to the canal's history.
This effort not only enriched the park’s narrative but also invited the majority white community to recognize and appreciate the contributions of African Americans.
Similarly, for Women’s History Month, Kristian created a poster celebrating women's roles in the canal’s operation. He worked with the cultural department and other park rangers to gather historical information about the park, including the stories that centered around women who were historically significant to the history of the C&O Canal. This project helped the Latino and majority white communities see women's multifaceted roles in shaping the canal’s history, creating a shared sense of pride and recognition.
Kristian’s work was not confined to cultural outreach but also fostered relationships with the park’s staff. His networking events, such as a park ranger event focused on Latino outreach, were crucial in creating a support system within the National Park Service. As an AmeriCorps member, Kristian helped support cross-cultural training sessions and discussion forums alongside park staff to better understand and engage with diverse community groups
Organizing potluck lunches helped bridge cultural gaps. Kristian made sure to include dishes from various Latino cultures, such as Honduras and Cuba. This sparked meaningful conversations about traditions and personal experiences.
"Sharing my heritage through food created a sense of unity.”
Connecting diverse communities to the park also meant encouraging them to take part in its preservation and care. Kristian supported volunteer days aimed explicitly at diverse communities, where participants could contribute to park maintenance while learning about the park’s history and significance.
“Being able to reflect these different cultural heritages will not only increase visitor rates, but it also increases volunteers and people that want to work with the actual space to preserve it," Kristian explained. “It enhances the visitor experience overall by broadening that audience where people can enjoy the space." By making the park accessible and welcoming to all, Kristian helped instill a sense of stewardship for the environment among the park’s visitors, fostering a collective responsibility toward maintaining the park's natural beauty.
Through his service year, his work created a lasting impact by setting a precedent for future outreach efforts and fostering an environment where diverse voices and histories are valued.
“My service year experience taught me the profound power of bridging divides through using language, cultural understanding, and creative outreach.”
Kristian’s work exemplifies the essence of bridging divides: coming together to listen, understand, and collaborate towards a common goal. “
The C&O Canal became a common ground where diverse communities could come together, learn from each other, and celebrate their shared heritage.”
