We are thrilled to welcome new colleagues to The Merwin Conservancy!

Early next year, cultural producer, poet, artist, and educator Nina C. Peláez will join us as Associate Director for Story & Experience. She’ll join our newest colleague, Caretaker Zirque Bonner, and Intern Mattie Robinson as our ʻohana grows, and our commitments to language and land deepen and expand.

Nina C. Peláez is a poet, educator, artist, and cultural producer. Since completing her Master’s degree in Art History at Williams College, Nina has held positions at the High Museum of Art, the Williams College Museum of Art, and most recently, the Smith College Museum of Art, where she served as the Associate Director of Learning and Interpretation. Nina has spent most of her life working in arts institutions developing collaborative programs, exhibitions, and interpretive projects that foster creativity, connection, and curiosity. Nina is currently completing her Master’s of Fine Arts in Poetry at the Bennington Writing Seminars and is working on the manuscript for her first poetry collection. 

Nina will oversee programs, special gatherings, and communications in her new role, and will help to guide The Merwin Conservancy through new phases of growth and evolution through new partnerships and special projects. As her January arrival approaches, weʻll share more about Nina and her new role at The Merwin Conservancy.

Zirque Bonner is a musician and composer who holds a Master of Fine Arts from CalArts. In addition to his musical pursuits, Zirque has had extensive experience working in the health and wellness industry over the past 10 years, finding successful translations of music into business and operational management. Zirque began his role as Caretaker in August 2023.

Mattie Robinson is the 2023-2024 Sustainability VISTA supporting UH Maui College in their sustainable agriculture and conservation initiatives. Her role includes coordinating community partnerships focused on conservation and participating in the scale-up of programs that serve local families. Mattie brings a professional background of over 13 years in biomedical research, product development, and community advocacy. She most looks forward to learning ways to reapply traditional Hawaiian wisdom to modern challenges in land and resource management.