ABOUT

Art and Wilderness Institute, is an Institute dedicated to strengthening appreciation and understanding of Wilderness through all methods of learning.

Students are Adults, children and anyone on their journey, anywhere on their journey.

We hope to give back to our community through our learning process.

MISSION

To rekindle a love and appreciation for the environment and community through
exploration, creativity, connection and growth.

OUR PARTNERS

PARTNER WITH US
PARTNERS  are defined as Non-Profit Organizations our Students can provide Services to or raise money for through the practicing of skills they learn in the Institute. Interested in learning more?

THE TEAM

Sama Wareh, M.S
Director/Naturalist

Naturalist, University Lecturer, Artist, Author of "How to Draw 60 Native CA Plants and Animals: A Field Guide"  and Environmental Educator for over 14 years.

Masters Degree in Environmental Studies from CSUF. Bachelors in Filmmaking and a minor in Art. Wareh has led over a thousand hikes, taught ages 5 to adults and university level, and has done workshops for arboretums, nature centers, and museums all across California. Sama has a passion for the outdoors and the environment and her vision of sharing it with the community in a way that channels a deep and meaningful connection is what sparked the Art and Wilderness Institute.
Email me!

Dr. Khadeeja Abdullah
Programming Director

University Lecturer, Air Quality Specialist, and Environmental Consultant

Doctorate in Environmental Science and Engineering from UCLA, Masters in Environmental Health and a Minor in Education.

Email me!

Syma Aslam
Project Support Specialist
& Journalism Club Director

B.A in Psychology and Social Behavior from UCI. Syma is active in the Southern California Community in multipile capacities. Baking is her passion, which is a plus for all the lucky people who get the pleasure of interacting with her.

Mona Bennani
Sustainability Coordinator

Mona received her Permaculture Design Certification from Zaytuna College Center for Ethical Living, previously worked for the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office on a global youth study and as a water security consultant for EcoPeace Middle East to start a cross border environmental peacebuilding program in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. 

MS in Global Affairs from New York University.

Leiyana Nura Suleman
Creative Genius Intern
Leiyana is our Creative Genius Intern. When not creating amazing graphics for our classes and marketing materials, Nura can be found creating cartoons and comic strips, going to animation trade shows, and spending time with her family in South OC.

For direct inquiries, please contact:
info@artandwildernessinsititute.com
(714) 745-3001