Welcome to the newest member of our team, Macheli Flores! Macheli Flores comes from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where her family first instilled in her a love for the environment, especially animals and flowers. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, she worked in education and administrative positions in the Austin area before moving to Houston two years ago with her now-fiancé. She learned about the National Audubon Society growing up, reading their many books on birds, rocks, and flora and fauna. Upon researching nature and hiking trails in Harris County, she was excited to learn Houston Audubon’s headquarters was located near her, leading her to follow the organization online. Macheli is excited to be working with a close-knit community of avian and wildlife enthusiasts, aspiring to continue building further community within the organization. Read on to learn more about Macheli!
1. What is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird is probably a penguin. The fact that chinstraps microsleep, taking thousands of naps a day, blows me away. Why can’t humans do that? I hope to see all species of penguins in their natural habitat one day.
2. What was your first experience connecting to nature (that you can remember)?
I want to say one of my first experiences in nature was going to the lake with my parents before my sister was born. I loved being near the water and eating fajitas under trees with my mom and dad on the hot summer days. Also, playing outside in the front yard and going on trips, such as to New Orleans and the Florida panhandle, allowed me to discover a new world beyond Texas.
3. What was your favorite vacation?
Brazil! I went for three weeks when I was a rising sophomore in high school. Instead of a quinceañera, I asked to go on a trip. Fortunately my high school hosted global educational trips throughout the year, and the one I picked was for a marine biology course in the summer. Our small class of six and two professors traveled throughout the country, from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro, Agra dos Reis to São Paolo, Iguaçu Falls to even Argentina for a day to visit Parque das Aves, an amazing bird sanctuary on the country’s border with Brazil. The toucans hopping around us on the trail while we strolled through made my heart melt. This trip also solidified my love for languages and cultures, further opening my eyes, ears, and taste buds to what’s out there. I ended up extensively studying Portuguese in college because of this high school summer course.
4. What makes you laugh the most?
I would have to say my family, my fiancé, or his family. Cat videos online and occasionally a good SpongeBob episode.
5. What did you want to be when you were young?
Ballerina, astronaut, and marine biologist were some of my top picks!
6. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
The sports that get me really involved are volleyball and college football (Hook ‘Em)! I love to play most sports but I’m not very good with a bat. I used to play club rugby in college and I’d like to get back into it one of these days.
7. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is tough. Probably anything that my mom makes. From chicken pot pie to white enchiladas, anything that woman makes is pure gold. I love a good pepperoni pizza or margherita pizza too! Or a Five Guys burger and fries.
8. What are your hobbies?
I read and listen to audiobooks a lot, mostly fantasy romance, horror, memoirs, and graphic novels. True crime podcasts (I recommend Murder with My Husband) and trashy reality TV are a few of my favorite things to divulge in while I do chores around the house. If it’s a sunny day, I will most likely be outside, going on walks in the park or around the neighborhood. Pair being outdoors with a good cup of coffee, while thrifting and antique shopping or visiting a museum, and I’m set. In terms of exercise, I love yoga and strength workouts! Anything to keep me active makes me very happy.
9. What’s your favorite animal?
I have too many favorite animals! I adore cats, bunnies, birds, possums, echidnas, dolphins, and beluga whales. Please don’t make me pick!
10. What are you most excited about in your new role?
What I’m most excited about is being in a position where I can work with all the departments as a team while also working on projects individually to make this organization the best it can be. Plus, working at a nature sanctuary is a perk!
Please join us in welcoming Macheli to the team!
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