Join us in welcoming our new staff member, Gina Magaña, Operations Manager. Gina will manage our operations, finance, and bring strategic alignment to our interdisciplinary team.
What is the last waterbody that you visited?
The last waterbody I visited was Buffalo Bayou, which runs right through my neighborhood. It’s a place I return to often for walking, thinking, and decompressing, and areas like Turkey Gully feel personal to me. Being so close to the bayou is a constant reminder of how connected everyday life in Houston is to the health of our waterways, for better and for worse.
Tell us about your background.
I’m a Houston native with roots in the ancestral lands of South Texas, which shapes how I think about land, water, and stewardship. I bring a background in nonprofit operations, project management, and organizational systems, with experience supporting environmental, social justice, and community-based organizations.
My work often focuses on building strong internal infrastructure, helping organizations run effectively so they can stay grounded in their mission and responsive to community needs.
What part of your job do you think you will nerd out about?
I’ll definitely nerd out about systems and process improvement. I enjoy refining workflows, strengthening internal communication, and creating operational structures that support both staff and mission. If there’s a way to make something clearer, smoother, or more sustainable, I’m all in.
How do you think your work as Operations Manager will impact our community?
Strong operations are essential to lasting impact. By supporting the organization’s internal systems, coordination, and compliance, my work helps ensure Bayou City Waterkeeper can remain effective, responsive, and focused on protecting Houston’s waterways and the communities that depend on them.
Why is Houston special?
Houston is special because of its complexity and resilience. Our bayous, neighborhoods, and industries are deeply interconnected, reflecting the city’s history, growth, and challenges. That interconnectedness creates both challenges and opportunities, and Houston’s diversity and scale make it a powerful place to build community-driven solutions for water, infrastructure, and environmental justice.