Omar Gallardo

Omar Gallardo(El/He/Him) joined LandPaths in 2012. As the New Audiences Manager, he manages the programs under the Branching Out Conservation for Everyone initiative. This initiative includes: Programming at Bayer Farm and Andy’s Unity Park Community Garden, Vamos Afuera, and LandPaths outings. 

Omar grew up in northern Sonoma County and received a B.A. in History from Sonoma State University. While in college and upon graduation, he worked with migrant children as an outdoor educator and camp principal assistant with the California Mini-Corps Program. He has also worked as a Mental Health Client Specialist for Escuela Queztal, a clean and sober school in Watsonville, California. As a counselor, Omar assisted his students and their families to overcome the stigma of accessing mental health services, and substance abuse counseling while exploring healthy alternatives to gang involvement. In his next position, he acted as Site Coordinator/ Lead Organizer for the Graton Day Labor Center, where he managed day-to-day operations and leadership development.  

Omar’s background in community organizing is derived from the Popular Education model established by Brazilian educator Paulo Freire. In his off-time, Omar is an Aztec Dancer and teacher for Danza Azteca Xántotl based in Santa Rosa. He is a Rising Leaders Fellow through Youth Outside. He has also been a faculty at Rally, presenting on community engagement strategies at the annual conference hosted by Land Trust Alliance. 

In 2015, Omar was honored with a Spirit of Sonoma County Award. He was selected as the 2017 California Migrant Education Region 2 Distinguished Alumnus. In 2019, he was honored by Sonoma County Conservation Action with a Leadership in Environmental Justice and Equity Award.