Next Generation Coalition
The Florida Trail Association’s Next Generation Coalition is a group of young leaders dedicated to sustaining and promoting the Florida Trail!
Interested in joining the Next Generation Coalition?
We are not currently accepting applications for the Coalition. If you are interested in future participation or have any questions, please email Emily Padden at emilyp@floridatrail.org.
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will open in Summer 2025
Meet the 2024-2025 Next Generation Leaders
Abigayle Watts
- Gainesville, FL
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Alyssa Cashmore
- Live Oak, FL
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Angel Kelley
- Miami, FL
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Ash Turner
- Miami, FL
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Brianne Lehan
- Gainesville, FL
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Cailyn McCarthy
- Jupiter, FL
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Diana Garcia-Ramos
- Plant City, FL
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Jaime Hamilton
- Jacksonville, FL
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Julianna Merotto
- Orlando, FL
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Kaylyn Glenn
- Naples, FL
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Matt Beverly
- Orlando, FL
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Matthew Hill
- Gainesville, FL
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Rosa Malagon
- Sanford, FL
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Stephanie Ochoa
- Orlando, FL
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Tara Hagood
- Leesburg, FL
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Tyler Gunther
- Gainesville, FL
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Next Generation Coalition Description
TASKS
- Actively participate in monthly meetings and workshops of the Next Generation Coalition
- Provide input and advice to the Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition
- Contribute to FTA communications, including the E-Blaze, Footprint Magazine, and social media platforms
- Take part in organizing dedicated hikes and trail maintenance events
- Help strengthen partnerships with colleges, schools, affinity groups, and other organizations
- Engage in Florida Trail work parties, tabling events and other initiatives created by the Next Generation Coalition
- Actively communicate with your local chapter representatives
- Play an active role in the creation and implementation of the FTA Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiative
TASKS
BENEFITS
- One-year membership to the FTA
- Complimentary FTA swag and Outdoor Pro Deals
- Free CPR and WFA training
- Community of like minded individuals
- Opportunities for scholarships for professional development.
- Networking with leaders and other professionals in the trail community including land managers, U.S. Forest Service, and National Parks
- Excellent resume builder for those interested in careers in the outdoor industry
- Have your social media accounts promoted by FTA, if desired
- Opportunities for travel throughout the state of Florida
BENEFITS
REQUIREMENTS
- Between the ages of 18 and 35
- Passionate about the Florida Trail, outdoors advocacy, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the outdoors
- Strong communication skills
- Capacity to engage throughout the year on social media and through FTA communications
- Available for quarterly meetings
- Capacity to attend at least one local chapter meeting twice a year
- Capacity to attend at least one Volunteer Work Party each year
- Committed to serving on coalition for one year with opportunity with majority of time commitment served September-May
- Members from the BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply
REQUIREMENTS
TASKS
- Actively participate in monthly meetings and workshops of the Next Generation Coalition
- Provide input and advice to the Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition
- Contribute to FTA communications, including the E-Blaze, Footprint Magazine, and social media platforms
- Take part in organizing dedicated hikes and trail maintenance events
- Help strengthen partnerships with colleges, schools, affinity groups, and other organizations
- Engage in Florida Trail work parties, tabling events and other initiatives created by the Next Generation Coalition
- Actively communicate with your local chapter representatives
- Play an active role in the creation and implementation of the FTA Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiative
BENEFITS
- One-year membership to the FTA
- Complimentary FTA swag and Outdoor Pro Deals
- Free CPR and WFA training
- Community of like minded individuals
- Opportunities for scholarships for professional development.
- Networking with leaders and other professionals in the trail community including land managers, U.S. Forest Service, and National Parks
- Excellent resume builder for those interested in careers in the outdoor industry
- Have your social media accounts promoted by FTA, if desired
- Opportunities for travel throughout the state of Florida
REQUIREMENTS
- Between the ages of 18 and 35
- Passionate about the Florida Trail, outdoors advocacy, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the outdoors
- Strong communication skills
- Capacity to engage throughout the year on social media and through FTA communications
- Available for quarterly meetings
- Capacity to attend at least one local chapter meeting twice a year
- Capacity to attend at least one Volunteer Work Party each year
- Committed to serving on coalition for one year with opportunity with majority of time commitment served September-May
- Members from the BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply