Natalie Mendez

Natalie Mendez joined LACO Associates in 2024 as a Tribal Liaison and Staff Engineer. She built a strong foundation in engineering by earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resources Engineering from Cal Poly Humboldt, with a focus on hydraulic systems and wastewater treatment. Motivated by her commitment to addressing public and environmental health challenges in rural, underserved, and Indigenous communities, she pursued a Master of Science in Engineering and Community Practice. Throughout her education, she engaged in engineering projects that centered Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and ways of being within the design process. Her master’s project focused on investigating a culvert within the wetlands of Mouralherwaqh—a parcel of land reacquired by the Wiyot Tribe in 2022. This project sought to provide insights and analyses to support the Wiyot Tribe’s ongoing ecocultural restoration efforts in Mouralherwaqh. Moving forward, Natalie is committed to deepening relationships with Tribal partners and facilitating dialogue that respects each Tribe’s sovereignty throughout every aspect of a project.