GeoMentor Spotlight

Each month we feature a GeoMentor volunteer, learning more about them and the wonderful and enthusiastic talent available in our GeoMentor community to assist K-12 schools with GIS and geography applications for their classrooms. Read about our currently featured member of the community or check out previously featured GeoMentors by using the navigation links on the right. If you are interested in being featured, go here for more information.  We are excited to learn more about our GeoMentor community members!

If you aren't a GeoMentor yet, we'd love to have you participate!

Adam Araza; GIS Analyst - Cupertino, CA

Position: GIS Analyst for the City of Cupertino

What was your favorite class in K-12? English

How did you first learn about and/or use GIS? I wasn’t too sure about what I wanted to major in my first couple years in college. My uncle worked as a city planner, and he would tell me: “companies are always hiring for people that know GIS”. So, one year, to avoid taking a chemistry class, I registered for physical geography, and the professor of that class repeated the same advice. The next semester, I enrolled in an intro GIS course and ended up getting my BA in geography.

Name one thing you love about GIS and/or geography: The flexibility to apply Geography/GIS knowledge to different fields.

Why did you want to volunteer as a GeoMentor? I have found working in GIS to be a rewarding career. I wanted to spread the word to those who may not be aware.

What kind of GeoMentor volunteer opportunity and experience are you looking for? I’d like to find the time in my schedule to teach GIS on-site. I haven’t been able devote enough time to coordinate with a local school, but I am proud to say that since volunteering to become a GeoMentor, I started a scholarship that requires students to answer a geography-based prompt.  

If someone asked you why they should learn about GIS and/or geography, how would you respond in one sentence? Companies are always hiring for people that know GIS.

Email address: arraraza@gmail.com

Website(s):LinkedIn

Questions? Email geomentors@aag.org.