LOVE ONE ANOTHER, BY LOVING ONESELF
I am a wildlife biologist and conservation social scientist by training, passionate about loving people. Drawn to community service, I have worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly two decades, championing social and environmental causes such as: Fairbanks Rescue Mission Recycling Center, a job training program employing unhoused clients to operate the community recycling center; One People, One Earth climate change initiative, which convened interfaith, Indigenous, youth, and scientific leaders to build bridges of understanding across communities; and Converse Hope Center a domestic violence and sexual assault nonprofit + shelter — empowering victims and inspiring hope.
Today, I am writing Surrender on the Mountain — a memoir about transforming self-hate into Love — based on my journey to healing from child sexual abuse, loss, and betrayal. Through vulnerable storytelling and chronicling my journey into 11 relatable lessons, I aspire to empower others to heal and experience the beauty of loving yourself.
I live along the hillsides in Homer, Alaska overlooking Tikahtnu (Cook Inlet) with Shane my biggest supporter and husband, and Kenzie the bestest canine co-worker.
Maria Walker
(She/Her)
