The Elakha Alliance is thrilled to welcome Lucila Gambino as our new Reintroduction Planning Manager. In this role, Lucila will lead the coordination and project management of a major, multi-year initiative to develop a tribally led sea otter reintroduction plan for Oregon – working closely with Tribal partners, scientists, agencies, and stakeholders to guide this critical phase forward. With a strong background in conservation and collaborative planning, Lucila brings the expertise and leadership needed to help turn the vision of restoring sea otters to the Oregon coast into reality.

Lucila’s Biography:

Born in Argentina and raised in Miami, Lucila grew up steps from the ocean. It was on Key Biscayne, guiding youth through seagrasses and hammocks with the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, that she first fell in love with connecting people to the natural world.

After earning her Communications degree from Tulane University, she completed a three-month outdoor educator course with NOLS. She went on to work in outdoor education and youth development with Outward Bound and Adelante Mujeres in Oregon, with a focus on ensuring environmental spaces reflect the cultures and communities of the people in them.

Her work evolved into facilitation and collaboration across public and environmental initiatives, bringing her into partnership with federal and state agencies, Tribal entities, and community-based and cross-sector partners. This has included facilitating community engagement for Washington DNR’s kelp and eelgrass conservation efforts, leading the Portland Harbor Superfund Site Collaborative Group, and advancing clean energy justice programs nationwide. She now brings this work full circle, contributing to a thriving Oregon coast.

Lucila lives in Richmond, VA, and spends her free time biking, hiking, practicing yoga, studying herbal medicine and working toward her certification as a Forest and Nature Therapy guide.