Latest Contributions by RaquelPerez

The Esri User Conference (UC) 2026 is fast approaching. For over 11 years, YPN has been fostering community, connection, and career growth for emerging GIS leaders, and this year, we’re marking the occasion with exciting events and activities designed to help you network, learn, and celebrate. YPN Highlights at Esri UC 2026 Sessions:  Classroom to Career: Preparing GIS Students for the Workforce Sunday, July 12, 2:30 pm -3:30 pm | Marriot Marquis, Grand Ballroom Salon 8  Esri YPN: Career Clinic for Young Professionals Wednesday, July 15, 2:30 pm -3:30 pm | SDCC, Room 28 E Esri YPN: The Power of Say Yes to Opportunities Thursday, July 16, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | SDCC, 29 D Activities: YPN Coffee Walk Parfait Paris, 555 G Street, San Diego Tuesday, July 14, 8:00 am - 9:00 am Start your UC experience with meaningful conversations and caffeine! Join fellow YPN members for a casual morning walk and networking. Booth Ground Level Exhibit Hall C, San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) Tuesday, July 14              9:00 am–5:30 pm Wednesday, July 15       9:00 am–5:30 pm Thursday, July 16            9:00 am–4:00 pm Stop by the YPN Booth at the User Conference to connect, learn, and grow your GIS career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your network, the Young Professionals Network is your hub for meaningful connections, career resources, and new opportunities within the GIS community. YPN Social Wednesday, July 15, 6:00 pm–9:00 pm Hilton Bayfront, Indigo Foyer, Terrace and Pool Keep your conference energy high, where you can share experiences and connect with other young GIS professionals. Fireside Chats at YPN Booth SDCC, Hall C, Opposite side of booths 232, 234, 236 Join us for informal chats on the following topics: Esri Community                  Brianna Ettley, Community Management, Engagement & Content Mentorship Tim Nolan, President Elect, Geospatial Professionals Network Workforce Development  Frank Romo, Romo GIS YPN Ambassador Program Speaker TBA See you in sunny San Diego!  ... View more

The Esri Conservation Team is excited to bring back a scavenger hunt this year!  Navigate to these six (6) stops to collect an exclusive conservation-themed piece of swag:  STOP 1: Attend Conservation Kick-Off Meeting When: Tuesday, July 14th from 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM PDT Where: San Diego Ballroom C | Marriott Find: Raquel Perez to collect your conservation swag. STOP 2: Visit the Conservation Kiosk When: During Expo Hall hours Tuesday, July 14         9:00 AM–5:30 PM Wednesday, July 15   9:00 AM–5:30 PM Thursday, July 16        9:00 AM–4:00 PM Where: Conservation kiosk located in the GIS for Good Showcase in Exhibit Hall A Find: A conservation team member at the kiosk to collect your conservation swag.  STOP 3: Attend the Conservation SIG When: Wednesday, July 15, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Where: SDCC, Room 7 B Find: Raquel Perez to collect your conservation swag. STOP 4: Go to Live Podcast with EPR! When: Thursday, July 16, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT Where: Storytelling with Maps Sails Pavilion | SDCC Find: Raquel Perez to collect your conservation swag STOP 5: Visit Special Displays in Map Lounge When: Monday after plenary until Thursday 5:30 PM (PT) Where: Sails Pavilion, Upper Level Find: Bryce Preacher at the GIS for Good Info Desk in Expo Hall C STOP 6: Attend the GIS for Good Social When: Tuesday, July 14th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (PT) Where: East Terrace | SDCC Find: Sunny Fleming, Ariana Kim, Lukasz Czerwinski, or David Smetana ... View more

We’ve created a streamlined custom UC agenda to guide you to the Conservation sessions and events.   View the full conference detailed agenda for more sessions and activities. To register for the conference, visit the UC registration page.   ... View more

  Esri thanks WILDLABS for hosting their inaugural International Conservation Technology Conference [wildlabs.net] (ICTC) in Lima, Peru. Esri was excited to sponsor and participate in the event and engage more deeply with the community. We were joined by colleagues from Esri's Peru Distributor Telematica, and Esri Business Partners Earth Analytic and M.A.P Scientific Services.  Below, we want to share a summary of what we heard, the discussions we had, and exciting and relevant updates for our community of conservation practitioners around the world. A Robust Community:  It’s clear – there’s no lack of technology being used in conservation!  ICTC brought together 600 global conservation experts for 5 days.  There were two days of hands-on workshops and then Plenaries and Sessions that focused on sharing and learning how conservation technologies are being designed, financed and implemented. Many Solutions, One Mission:  Conservation organizations worldwide are working toward the same goal: gaining a deeper understanding of biodiversity in the places they manage and rely upon. This shared mission has given rise to a wide and growing ecosystem of hardware and software solutions, each reflecting the priorities, contexts, and creativity of the communities behind them. While many of these efforts have produced innovative tools and meaningful outcomes, organizations increasingly face a common challenge - integrating technologies and insights in ways that support holistic understanding and sustained impact at scale. Geography is a common language:  At the heart of this expanding ecosystem of conservation technologies is a shared need for a common language, one that can bring together data from many sources, across organizations, and over time. Geographic information systems (GIS) provide that foundation by organizing information around place. By integrating data from sensors, field observations, remote sensing, and community knowledge, GIS enables shared understanding through maps that support analysis, collaboration, and informed action. Esri’s ArcGIS system is designed to support this holistic approach. As a comprehensive GIS, it enables organizations to create, maintain, and use a shared spatial picture that supports systems of record, engagement, and insight. This capability is especially critical in protected and conserved areas, including national parks, private reserves, and Indigenous and community-managed lands, where intensive monitoring is required to protect biodiversity while sustaining social and economic benefits. When well-managed, these landscapes support ecosystems, livelihoods, and local economies alike. At the International Conservation Technology Conference (ICTC), the need for integration and interoperability was a recurring topic. Protected area management technology providers such as Esri, SMART-EarthRanger Conservation Alliance (SERCA) came together not only to share solutions, but to openly discuss how these platforms can work better together. While each system provides powerful capabilities, limited interoperability continues to place an unnecessary burden on frontline conservationists. To address this challenge, a 90‑minute Discussion Circle convened practitioners, technologists, researchers, and implementing organizations to focus on integration needs across SERCA and ArcGIS. Participants shared how current workflows are deployed in the field, identifying common friction points and recurring challenges related to spatial data, synchronization, training, and capacity. They emphasized the importance of continued support for offline data collection, real‑time sensor visualization, automated reporting, advanced spatial analysis, and systems that are ready for emerging AI applications. Just as importantly, participants highlighted the need for easier configuration of secure integrations between commonly used platforms, along with clearer documentation, automation, and community‑based resources that make advanced capabilities more accessible. Together, these conversations reinforced a clear message from the community: innovation is not the limiting factor, connection is. In late 2025, SMART and EarthRanger announced the formation of SERCA, bringing together SMART’s planning and analysis strengths with EarthRanger’s real-time operational capabilities into a single, more unified approach that enables users to move more easily from data to decision to action using the best of both.  Many organizations rely on these platforms for adaptive management and real-time operational awareness and are eager to better connect those capabilities with GIS capabilities such as advanced geospatial analysis, visualization, automated reporting, and collaboration and storytelling. Conversations at ICTC helped clarify both the shared interest in deeper integration and the practical challenges organizations face in bringing systems together without added technical burden. We are grateful that this convening helped surface common needs and priorities across the community, and we are encouraged by the momentum it has created. Esri is excited to play a supporting role as these efforts continue, guided by our commitment to open data, open science, and long-term collaboration in service of the conservation community. Together, these discussions point toward a shared future in which diverse conservation technologies function as connected systems rather than isolated tools. By investing in integration and collaboration, we aim to help ensure that the passion and innovation across the conservation community translate into collective understanding and mission impact at scale. This will include: Esri is exploring what it can do to enable an ArcGIS integration for SERCA.  We’ve gathered preliminary technical information from SERCA and will be formulating integration options that Esri can maintain.  This is in the early stages!  The best way to stay up to date is to ensure you’re signed up to receive our Conservation e-Brief. Esri is launching a new ArcGIS Solution for Protected Area Management on April 1st.  This Solution improves upon the Conservation Solutions that ArcGIS end users have been deploying since 2020, and the new PAM Solution will provide a repository for SERCA integration datasets and two-way sharing.  The Solution will be made available in ArcGIS Online and Enterprise Solution Apps, with Esri Product Documentation and Technical Support. Esri is reaching out to organizations around the world that are already working with SERCA and ArcGIS, to invite them to describe their experiences working between these systems.  We also want to test early integrations with these organizations, to improve the integration products before they are released. We want to hear from you! Esri will host additional Conservation Sessions at events throughout 2026, including the Esri User Conference and Esri Eastern Africa User Conference, Society for Conservation GIS Annual International Conference, Land Trust Alliance Rally,  and more to come!  Esri will provide support to Esri Distributors and Business Partners around the world who can support deployments of the ArcGIS Solutions for Protected Area Management and future integrations, when available. Post your comments and questions below, and make sure you’re staying up to date by following this community and getting the latest news from our Conservation eBrief ... View more

What to Expect from the Esri YPN Program at Esri UC 2025 — Celebrating 10 Years of Connection and Community The Esri User Conference (UC) 2025 is fast approaching, and with it comes a special milestone for the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) — our 10th anniversary! For a decade, YPN has been fostering community, connection, and career growth for emerging GIS leaders, and this year, we’re marking the occasion with exciting events and activities designed to help you network, learn, and celebrate. Whether you’re a student, educator, early-career professional, or someone looking to connect with the next generation of GIS leaders, there’s something for you in this year’s YPN lineup: ⸻ YPN Highlights at Esri UC 2025 🌍 YPN Coffee Walk with Partners Monday, July 14 | 7:00 AM | Parfait Paris Start your UC experience with meaningful conversations and caffeine! Join fellow YPN members and Esri partners for a casual morning walk and networking. :school_backpack: From Maps to Milestones: Showcasing Your GIS Journey with a Portfolio Tuesday, July 15 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Room 29 B, SDCC Discover how to tell your story, showcase your GIS skills, and stand out with a professional portfolio. 🎉 YPN Social Wednesday, July 16 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Hilton Bayfront – Indigo Foyer, Pool, and Terrace One of the most anticipated YPN events! Network with peers, mentors, and industry leaders while enjoying the San Diego skyline. :microphone: YPN Presents: A Look Back at 10 Years and a Spotlight on the Future Thursday, July 17 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Room 3, SDCC Join us for a special session as we reflect on the impact YPN has made over the past decade and discuss the bright future ahead for emerging GIS professionals. 📍 YPN Booth & Meetups Ground Level Exhibit Hall C, Lower Level, San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) Stop by the YPN Booth in the Exhibit Hall to connect, learn more about YPN, and meet others in the GIS community. Don’t miss themed booth meetups: • Veterans in GIS – Tuesday, July 15 | 2:30 PM • Esri Community Meetup – Wednesday, July 16 | 2:30 PM ⸻ Plus, Don’t Miss These Key UC Events ✔️ UC Plenary Session – Monday, July 14 ✔️ Map Gallery Reception – Monday, July 14 ✔️ Science Symposium – Tuesday, July 15 ✔️ Esri Awards Ceremony – Wednesday, July 16 ✔️ Thursday Night Celebration – July 17 ⸻ ... View more

Celebrating 10 Years of Esri YPN at Esri UC 2025 Come and celebrate the 10th anniversary of Esri Young Professionals Network at Esri User Conference 2025! We have curated a program to serve you and the broad audience of members in the network. Whether you are an educator, student, veteran, new to GIS, mid-career transition, mentor or seasoned professional we are so excited to host you in our sessions, see you at the booth in the expo, and wind down with you at the Wednesday evening YPN social. We have some new activities like a coffee partner walk before plenary on Monday and a veteran meetup in the booth on Tuesday. See attached agenda. ... View more

Come and celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Esri Young Professionals Network at Esri User Conference 2025! We have curated a program to serve you and the broad audience of members in the network. Whether you are an educator, veteran, new to GIS, mid-career transition, or seasoned professional we are so excited to host you in our sessions, see you at the booth in expo, and wind down at the Wednesday evening YPN social.  ... View more

Esri Young Professionals Network invites you to attend our activities and sessions. We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Federal GIS Conference. To help you gain the maximum benefit from this event, we have highlighted a few resources among the hundreds of different activities, workshops, and opportunities available. Feel free to reach out to ypn@esri.com if you have any comments or questions. ... View more

We’ve carefully curated a YPN program for the Federal GIS Conference designed specifically for emerging GIS professionals. Our goal is to provide a platform where newcomers to the field, and even seasoned pros can connect with industry leaders, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, and build the skills necessary to excel in their careers. With tailored sessions, networking opportunities at our career fair and social, we hope to empower the next generation of GIS experts to learn, collaborate, and grow in the fast-evolving world of geospatial technology. We hope to see you there! Feel free to share this within your networks. ... View more

As we usher in 2025, it is a time to reflect on the incredible journey of the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Over the past decade, YPN has grown into a vibrant community of enthusiastic, motivated young professionals working in geospatial technology and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). This milestone not only marks the success of a program but also celebrates the transformative impact of fostering a network dedicated to innovation, professional growth, and meaningful connections.   A Vision for the Future of GIS The Esri Young Professionals Network was founded with a clear goal in mind: to provide a platform for emerging GIS professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from one another. By offering a space for the next generation of GIS leaders to come together, the YPN has created opportunities that go far beyond the classroom and the boardroom.   Since its inception, Esri has championed the idea that a thriving GIS community requires a continuous exchange of ideas between seasoned professionals and newcomers. The YPN has been pivotal in making that vision a reality, giving young professionals the tools, support, and networks they need to excel in their careers.   Empowering Young Professionals At its core, YPN is all about empowerment. It has provided a pathway for young professionals to explore new career opportunities, develop essential skills, and shape the future of GIS. Through mentorship programs, events, and networking opportunities, YPN has helped its members grow both professionally and personally.   One of the most impactful aspects of the YPN is its ability to create mentorship connections between seasoned professionals and newcomers to the GIS field. These mentorship opportunities have provided guidance, wisdom, and advice for individuals just starting out in the field, helping to accelerate their careers and connect them with like-minded professionals.   Fostering Innovation The GIS landscape is constantly evolving, and YPN has been at the forefront of this change by encouraging innovation. Over the past 10 years, the network has hosted meetups, sessions, and workshops all aimed at solving real-world challenges using geospatial technologies. By fostering an environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving, YPN has inspired countless young professionals to push the boundaries of what is possible within GIS.   One of the standout features of YPN is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The network has been intentional about bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that innovation comes from a variety of perspectives. This approach has helped produce fresh ideas, groundbreaking solutions, and a more collaborative and dynamic GIS community.   Building a Global Community What started as a small network has now become a global movement. YPN has expanded beyond the boundaries of the United States to include young professionals from all over the world, making it a truly international community. The digital transformation of the past decade has made it easier than ever to connect and collaborate across borders. Whether it is through virtual meetups or international conferences, YPN has made it possible for young GIS professionals to learn from peers and mentors around the globe.   As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, it is inspiring to see how the YPN has become a global resource for young professionals in the GIS field. The network’s reach continues to grow, and it is exciting to think about the future possibilities of how members can support and uplift one another in the coming years.   Looking Ahead: The Next Decade As YPN celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is important to look forward to what is next. The next decade will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but it will also present new opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. With continued advancements in technology, the role of GIS professionals is more critical than ever before in tackling issues like climate change, urban planning, disaster management, and social equity.   Esri’s commitment to the YPN remains strong, and with it, the opportunities for young professionals will continue to flourish. As the world of GIS evolves, YPN will be there every step of the way to empower the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators.   Join the Celebration! If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to get involved in the Esri Young Professionals Network. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, YPN offers an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, expand your skills, and grow your career.   As we celebrate a decade of success, let us look ahead to the next 10 years of collaboration, innovation, and transformation. To learn more about the YPN and how you can be a part of this incredible community, visit www.esri.com/ypn. Here is to another 10 years of empowering the next generation of GIS professionals! -------------------------------------------------------------------- About Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) The Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) is a community of young professionals in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), helping them to develop, network, and engage with like-minded individuals. The network offers resources, events, and mentorship opportunities to help young professionals excel in their careers and make an impact in the world of GIS. ... View more

Esri YPN is a community for all to learn, connect, and develop leadership skills to further careers in GIS. Whether you are brand new to the GIS industry or a seasoned GIS professional, there is a place for you in our community of nearly 20,000 members. Connect with the advisory board, industry experts, and other like-minded peers to connect, gain experience, and develop leadership skills to further advance your career. ... View more

Connect with leading experts working to sustain the world’s biodiversity and find the balance with humanity’s needs on our changing planet. Chat with the Esri Conservation team to explore innovative solutions for protected area management, conserving the places that matter most, new tools for community conservation programs, and connecting landscapes to advance biodiversity resilience.  ... View more

Have you ever wondered whether you should seek a mentor, what is their purpose, or why mentorship matters?  EDGE Geospatial has recently published a beginner's guide so you can understand the impact a mentor relationship can have on your personal and professional growth.  Access the guide here to and follow EDGE Geospatial on LinkedIn! Key Takeaways🗝 Purpose of an EDGE Mentor EDGE mentors are advisors; they are champions of growth, dedicated to fostering the success and fulfillment of those they mentor.  Why Mentorship Matters Unlocking Potential: Mentors provide guidance, support, and accountability, empowering you to achieve your goals and reach new heights in your career. Building Connections: Mentorship fosters meaningful connections and networks, opening doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Driving Positive Change: By empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, mentorship plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all. The 3 C's of Effective Mentorship Clarity: Define clear objectives and expectations for your mentorship journey, ensuring alignment with your goals and aspirations. Communication: Foster open and transparent communication with your mentor, building trust and fostering meaningful connections. Commitment: Embrace mentorship as a mutual commitment between mentors and mentees, investing time and resources in your growth and development. Discovering Your Potential: Tips for EDGE Fellows Believe in Yourself: Have confidence in your ability to make a difference. You bring unique talents and perspectives to the table, and your contributions are invaluable to our community. Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to building meaningful relationships. Be honest, open, and passionate about helping others, and you'll inspire trust and connection. Listen with Empathy: A great mentor is someone who listens with empathy and understanding. Practice active listening and strive to empathize with the experiences and challenges of others. EDGE Mentors Keith Andre Searles As the visionary  behind EDGE, Keith is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the geospatial industry, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to succeed.  Earle Isibue With a wealth of experience in GIS and education, Earle is passionate about nurturing the next generation of geospatial professionals. ... View more

Esri YPN is a community for all to learn, connect, and develop leadership skills to further careers in GIS. Whether you are brand new to the GIS industry or a seasoned GIS professional, there is a place for you in our community of nearly 20,000 members. Connect with the advisory board, industry experts, and other like-minded peers to connect, gain experience, and develop leadership skills to further advance your career. ... View more

Connect with leading experts working to sustain the world’s biodiversity and find the balance with humanity’s needs on our changing planet. Chat with the Esri Conservation team to explore innovative solutions for protected area management, conserving the places that matter most, new tools for community conservation programs, and connecting landscapes to advance biodiversity resilience. ... View more