Barbara Vasquez

Barbara’s love of nature grew as a teenager, horseback riding in the desert Southwest, and hiking and backpacking in college helped developed a love of wild places that grows out of connection, respect and awe. She started scuba diving during grad school, furthering her determination to help protect natural ecosystems, terrestrial and marine. She shared that passion with her two children, spending vacations hiking, backpacking and diving. When she retired after two careers—biomedical research and semiconductor R&D engineering—she chose a place in Colorado where she has more four-footed than two-footed neighbors. In her current role as volunteer citizen scientist, she has served on BLM and USFS RACs and worked as an environmental advocate for public lands and communities in various capacities. She currently serves on boards for state and national grassroots organizations and the Colorado Water Conservation Board. She says that being a part of Great Old Broads for Wilderness has been an inspiration and a refuge as the organization honors our connection to nature.