Carissa Aguirre is a Houston native, marketer, and professional photographer with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Stephen F. Austin State University. She blends her marketing expertise with a creative eye for visual storytelling and community-centered content. Prior to joining Houston Audubon, Carissa led social media and event efforts for City Orchard Cidery. She entered the craft beverage industry knowing little about cider or beer but quickly fell in love with the craft and culture, discovering how easy it is to market something you genuinely care about. She’s eager to bring that same purpose-driven creativity to a mission focused on creating positive change. Carissa is also excited to dive into the world of birding. She even had her first memorable sighting of a Summer Tanager on her very first day!
Carissa answered a few questions so you can get to know her better!
1. What are you most excited about in your new role?
I’m most excited to capture and share the incredible work Houston Audubon does. I look forward to creating content that highlights our amazing volunteers and staff, who make everything we do possible, and showcasing their efforts on social media. Ultimately, I’m excited to help get more eyes on Houston Audubon so we can continue to make a difference for birds and their habitats.
2. What was your first experience connecting to nature (that you can remember)?
When I was in college, I got to see a meteor shower for the first time! My friends and I piled in a pickup truck with a bunch of blankets and pillows. We drove out to lake Nac and parked where we had a clear view of the sky. Being out there, away from city lights, made me realize I’d never get to see anything like that in Houston.
3. What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Black Dog by Led Zeppelin (my all-time favorite band)
4. What are your hobbies?
I love live music, so I found a way to combine that passion with photography. Through concert photography, I’ve had the chance to shoot bands like Glass Animals, Khruangbin, Passion Pit, and The Black Keys. I’ve even captured some of my favorite EDM artists, including Excision and Level Up!
5. Do you collect anything?
I collect vinyl records. My dad passed his collection to me and I’ve continued adding to it, resulting in a collection of 70+ records! (I think… I haven’t counted in a while)
6. What was your favorite subject in school?
I’ve always loved my sociology classes in college. I’m fascinated by why we do the things we do and the social implications behind our behaviors. I could literally talk about this subject for hours, so if you want to hear me rant about it, ask me about how I think social media has impacted us as a society.
7. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?
Absolutely nothing. In theory, going back in time to change things sounds like a good idea, but then you wouldn’t be the person you are today. Everything happens for a reason. You can either choose to wallow in the what-if’s or face each experience head on and learn from it.
8. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Definitely an extrovert. I am never hesitant to introduce myself to new people and will always go the extra mile to make sure others feel welcomed!
9. What was your favorite vacation?
It wasn’t really a vacation, but in college, I studied abroad in France! While I was there, I traveled a lot around Europe to Spain, Germany, Croatia, and the UK! Studying abroad was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I recommend it to anyone who has the option to do so!
10. What is the best gift you have been given?
I attended a white elephant holiday party with a lot of people I was meeting for the first time. Naturally, I grabbed the biggest gift on the table and it was a life size porch goose!! The person that brought it felt so bad that I got the “gag gift”, but I thought it was the greatest thing ever! The goose’s name is Patricia, and she now accompanies me to music festivals. Everyone always gets a kick out of it!
Please join us in welcoming Carissa to the team and be sure to introduce yourself if you see her at Edith L. Moore or Houston Audubon Events!
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