Community Volunteer Ambassador Serena Diaz using a mano and metate.
Community Volunteer Ambassador Serena Diaz using a mano and metate. Photo Credit: Serena Diaz.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.     

Hometown: Yakima, Washington 

Program of study: Bachelors in Anthropology with a focus on Bioarcheology  

Position in our Outer Banks national parks: Community Volunteer Ambassador 

Where you can be found: At a nearby thrift store looking for some knick-knacks.  

Other national parks you have worked at: This is my first park! 

Currently watching: I’m currently watching “The Nanny”! It’s a feel-good show that helps me decompress.  

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I love to hang out at home and bake or snuggle up with a good book. I’m also killer at karaoke. 

What do you like most about the Outer Banks?  

I enjoy the overall atmosphere and approach to life, content but not complacent. 

How did you end up in your current position with the National Park Service? 

I found this position when I was working for the Career Services Office at my university and immediately knew this was where I wanted to be. 

What does a typical workday or work week look like for you?  

A typical workday involves me jumping out of bed at the last minute and making my coffee. Then I walk to work since I live at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Once I’m at my desk, I get to checking emails, working on volunteer uniforms, attending webinars or trainings, and looking to support volunteer operations in any way I can. I try to be as flexible as possible to give back to a wonderful part of the Outer Banks community, the volunteers. 

What is a favorite memory you have from your time working with our Outer Banks national parks? 

My favorite memory is getting to participate in the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center Trunk or Treat. I had the pleasure of meeting over 200 people from the local community and connecting with them over all their wonderful costumes. Everyone is so kind and welcoming; I couldn’t ask for anything better. 

Why are our Outer Banks national parks important?   

Outer Banks national parks are important because each park carries something uniquely different relative to the other, and relative to other national parks. The environments, the history, the wildlife, are all special to the Outer Banks, which makes it one of a kind. As time progresses and the Outer Banks and its history are put at risk, it makes the stories that it can tell even more meaningful.  

Is there anything else you would like people to know about our Outer Banks national parks? 

These parks are here for you, your leisure, your entertainment, and your recreation. At the Outer Banks we want to meet you where you are and provide you with a park that fulfils your needs, whatever they may be.