Ximena came to NOLS in 2008 as a student on a Mexican Educators Sea Kayaking Course. Ximena was born and raised in the same state that is NOLS' home in Mexico, Baja California Sur. Since completing her bachelor’s degree in Alternative Tourism from the University of Baja California Sur, she has passionately dedicated herself to NOLS. Ximena completed her Rocky Mountain Instructor Course in 2010. She has taught sea kayaking and hiking expeditions in Mexico, Alaska, and Scandinavia. At NOLS Mexico, Ximena has served as an Intern, Rations Manager, Finance Manager, Spanish Programs Supervisor and NOLS Mexico Assistant Director. Since 2017, Ximena has been the director at NOLS Mexico. When not at work, she spends most of time scuba diving, snorkeling and exploring the Sea of Cortez and the desert.