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OBG Board Nominees
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What draws you to OBG?
OBG strikes me as a modern, forward-thinking group that’s much more inclusive and approachable than other organizations in the caving space. And unlike traditional grottos, I love that OBG isn’t limited by geography.
What do you hope to accomplish in a leadership position?
I want to increase the awareness around caving to people of all ages and backgrounds, be an educational resource, and get people passionate about conserving caves for future generations. Essentially, be a part of building a safe and welcoming community where people of all skill levels can explore, develop their passion, and connect with others.
What experience do you have working with a team and what strengths would you bring to the table?
I bring an unshakeable enthusiasm for caving and 15+ years of marketing, web, and graphic design experience. But more importantly, extensive experience bringing together diverse teams, articulating goals, and breaking down what needs to be done into actionable steps and timelines. Additionally, in the past, I’ve served on the board for a historic neighborhood association to help revitalize the area, improve safety, and locate funding opportunities to help neighbors make energy-efficient home improvements.
How do you deal with conflict or opposing viewpoints?
Listen and try to understand the root of the conflict and our core differences, and determine if it’s genuinely about the issue or stemming from an underlying concern. Then navigate it accordingly. That may mean changing my views if the argument is compelling, working together to brainstorm alternative solutions that meet the needs of both sides, or maintaining my stance but working through our differences with respect and/or engaging a third party for an objective opinion.
What cave do you really want to visit and why?
Can we only choose one? That’s a tough decision, but I’ve got a special place in my heart for Hang Son Doong. May years ago, my daughter and I were planning a trip to Vietnam without being aware of the enormity of the caves. I stumbled upon Hang Son Doong and was struck by its beauty and naively thought, “Wow! What an excellent day trip.” and proceeded to look for a local guide to plan it out. I quickly learned that not only was it the largest cave in the world, but it was also expensive and had a multi-year long waiting list. Ultimately, we didn’t get to visit, but it’s definitely on my bucket list now!
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Cinthia Campos
What draws you to OBG?
I am interested in their vision of eliminating boundaries making the grotto an open space for people from all over the world. I am interested in their goals and excited about their level of engagement and activity.
What do you hope to accomplish in a leadership position?
As a board member I would like to collaborate with other cavers to expand the education and research aspects of caving. I look forward to organizing and participating in workshops, trips, and community outreach events.
What experience do you have working with a team and what strengths would you bring to the table?
I have experience working with different archaeological, research / writing teams, and until recently was Binghamton’s Graduate Student Organization Vice President and Senator of the Anthropology Graduate Student Organization. I have over 6 years experience as a caver. I have experience in cave cartography as a surveyor, sketcher, inventory, cave archaeology, and assisted biologists on bat counts. I have most experience as a project caver, sketcher and drafting maps digitally. I have worked with cavers from all over the world, with varying languages and ages. These experiences have helped me develop strong communication and problem solving skills. Oftentimes while caving, we move around from grotto to grotto and a strong sense of communication serves us well below and above ground.
How do you deal with conflict or opposing viewpoints?
I try to remain objective and listen to everyone’s viewpoints without judgement however, miscommunication happens. I deal with conflict straight forward before it becomes overwhelming, I also try to separate the issue at hand from the individual, so not to attack the individual but discuss the ideas, solutions, or issues. Opposing viewpoints are inevitable as we all are individuals and think differently, so I listen and attempt to reach a compromise to appease both or all parties and achieving the goal intended.
What cave do you really want to visit and why?
Crystal Cave in Chihuahua , I would like to experience the extreme heat and see the selenite pillars! Mammoth Cave, it is not only an extraordinary cave geologically but also archaeologically! It was also where Dr. Patty Jo Watson conducted paleoethnobotanical research at. The cave underneath the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon at Teotihuacan, although non-natural exactly, it is a unique archaeological site. The list can continue…
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Miriam Greenfield
What draws you to OBG?
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- For one, I love this grotto’s mission of welcoming people of all ages and skill levels who have an interest in caving. I think it’s amazing that there is a grotto where people from all over the world can meet in zoom calls to talk about caving and to go on caving adventures together. I enjoy being a part of a grotto with other cavers that share their passion for caving. I also like this cool grotto’s name.
What do you hope to accomplish in a leadership position?
I would want to continue the Out of Bounds Grotto mission by helping to grow OBG’s membership and helping with the administration of OBG for current members.
What experience do you have working with a team and what strengths would you bring to the table?
Among my many experiences as part of team, I was a firefighter for five years where good co-ordination and teamwork were essential for surviving life and death situations on a daily basis. I demonstrated an ability to remain calm under high stress situations allowing my experience and training to guide my decisions and my contributions to the team’s efforts to save lives.
I have also worked as an English teacher teaching in Kazakhstan. As one of the first teachers to work in rural areas, I pioneered bridging the cultural differences and then provided guidance and support to a network of teachers who arrived over the subsequent years.
How do you deal with conflict or opposing viewpoints?
I try to defuse conflicts by using a calming voice and listening skills. (These skills were useful in situation in the fire department where I had to talk to emotionally disturbed people threatening suicide and bring them to a calmer emotional state). I also learn from listening to opposing viewpoints. Generally, someone with an opposing view point feels unheard. I make sure to hear everything that they have to say. This gives me an opportunity to get a good grasp of thing from another perspective. Most of the time, it’s something that I didn’t think about. And it could possibly be a good idea. Discussing another person’s viewpoint also allows them to hear their own ideas and maybe reconsider. And being heard often then allows them to listen to other viewpoints which they may not have considered. This allows a group to work together to find the best solutions for the group with buy in by everyone because everyone is heard.
What cave do you really want to visit and why?
The one that hasn’t been discovered yet. My bones are pretty gimpy these days. Want to be able to physically cave again soon.
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Out of Bounds Grotto 