National Geographic Emerging Explorer and environmental educator Juan Martinez is a national spokesman for the importance of getting youth—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—into the outdoors. He spearheads the Natural Leaders Network of the Children & Nature Network, an organization creating links between environmental organizations, corporations, government, education, and individuals to reconnect children with nature. Juan focuses on celebrating the positive value of nature rather than dire environmental dilemmas. He attends White House forums, advises the U.S. Department of the Interior on plans to create a youth conservation corps, serves as National Youth Volunteer Coordinator for the Sierra Club, and organizes youth delegations to conferences on green jobs and outdoor experiences.