Her Story
About Lorena
Lorena Saldana serves as Programs Director and Urban Forestry Senior Manager at Arizona Sustainability Alliance, a nonprofit organization in Phoenix, Arizona, focused on sustainability, conservation, and community-centered environmental initiatives. With seven years of experience in sustainability and several years specializing in urban forestry and conservation, she oversees programs spanning multiple focus areas while developing partnerships with municipalities, nonprofits, funders, and industry organizations. Her work centers on expanding tree equity, strengthening environmental stewardship, supporting workforce development, and bringing resources to communities where they can create meaningful, lasting impact.
Lorena began her professional journey in sustainability coordination, working with Clean Harbors Environmental Services before becoming involved with Arizona Sustainability Alliance and progressing through several urban forestry leadership positions. She earned a bachelor's degree in Sustainability Studies from Arizona State University, with a focus on urban development, and expanded her education through clean energy studies at Reykjavik University in Iceland. Today, she leads the Arizona Urban Forestry Roundtable, a coalition of more than 200 professionals that promotes industry best practices, develops accessible resources, and provides educational opportunities. She also serves on the Arizona Department of Fire and Forestry Management Advisory Committee, participates in the Hispanic Leadership Institute, and is pursuing her arborist certification.
Recognized with the Arizona Business Angels Executive Leader of the Year Award, Lorena credits her professional growth to a commitment to serving communities and creating greater access to conservation resources. She approaches leadership through accountability, impact, and integrity, with a particular passion for advancing tree and conservation equity in underserved areas. Looking ahead, Lorena plans to continue expanding programs, partnerships, and educational resources while working toward becoming an executive director within her organization. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys going to the gym, swimming, marathon running, and ceramics, pursuits that reflect both her determination and creative interests.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lorena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to wanting to serve my community and the passion I have to work with others to provide tree equity and conservation equity within underserved communities. Being a leader within the community also drives my success and helps me get through the long days.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to get involved and take things one step at a time. You do not have to create a huge impact immediately to make a difference. Consistent effort, showing up, and being willing to contribute can lead to meaningful opportunities over time. That mindset has shaped my own career, from building experience in sustainability and volunteering with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance to growing into leadership roles in urban forestry and program management.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just get involved. Especially as women, we sometimes tend to take a step back or wait until things are 100% ready, but the best thing is to get involved, get your foot in the door, and start the conversation. Take it one day at a time and just do it, because it will be so different 30, 60, 90 days from now.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is funding our work as a nonprofit, since administrative changes can affect federal and corporate funding, and environmental nonprofits often get selected last. The biggest opportunity is workforce development, with growing careers in urban forestry, conservation, and food systems, plus many available jobs, internships, and fellowships.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability, impact, and integrity are most important to me. In my leadership role, I need to be transparent and set a high standard. I want to do honest, good, and ethically sound work.
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