The March 2025 “Be What You Don’t See” interview features aquatic entomologist, fisheries biologist, and environmental educator Anna Le (pronounced “Lay”) in conversation with iFishiBelong board member Allie Valdetera. Anna is a self-described daughter to Vietnamese immigrant parents, a sister, a bilingual conversationalist, a nature photographer, and a storyteller. She talks about her passionate interest in microinvertebrates, even maintaining a tank of “pet shrimp”.
Anna shares the pros and cons of the peripatetic field work life and how her search to be grounded in community led her to found Grayling Education through which she shares her scientific knowledge and passion for fishing and the environment with teens and adults. Anna reveals the barriers she faced along the way as an Asian American woman, and relates what it takes to nurture a new enterprise.
Anna grew up in Southern California fishing and exploring the outdoors and the ocean with her family. By age 17, she knew she wanted to study marine biology, but two years in she developed seasickness and switched her focus to freshwater ecosystems. Looking at bugs under a microscope for hours lead to a serious interest in microinvertebrates and how they relate to the health of the water.
Anna then worked as a field biologist and educator, working in Oregon, Wyoming, and Montana. The rootlessness of seasonal work, paired with a diagnosis of PTSD and severe anxiety, led her to settle in Portland. As she began the healing process, she set a goal to catch a single grayling on a dry fly. She tried for three years in Yellowstone and other iconic locations, finally hooking her first grayling in the swirling water of a culvert. Hooking this fish in an unlikely place gave her the impetus to start her consulting practice, thinking “Maybe this is the time to jumpstart Grayling Education and create a work culture and also a community that I want to see thriving in conservation and education.”
Along with running and growing Grayling Education, Anna volunteers her time and leadership skills as Vice Chair of the Environmental Justice Section of the, Ecological Society of America, a Board Member of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center, and a former member of the science and policy committee of the American Fly Fishing Association Fisheries Fund.
Anna’ also holds certifications as a Trauma Informed Educator through the Oregon Education Association, a Wilderness First Responder through Aerie Backcountry Medicine, and a provider of CPR/AED/First Aid CPR/AED/First Aid through the American Heart Association.
In addition, Anna will earn her Master’s of Science in Science Education from Montana State University in June 2025.
Anna founded Grayling Education to provide accessible and fun ecological and science education programming, and to spread her passion for the natural world. She develops curriculum and advises on educational programs for environmental agencies, NGOs, non-profits, businesses, community groups, and individuals who believe in collaboration for positive change. Anna also presents interdisciplinary workshops for individuals and groups, such as wildlife photography combined with species identification and habitat, and intro to fly fishing with information and materials on microinvertebrates and water quality.
- Follow @anna_venturing and @graylingeducation on social media to stay updated.
- Join a Grayling Education workshop and spread the word to your friends who are interested in starting their outdoor or fly fishing education
- Suggest that Anna develop a continuing outdoor education program for your company or nonprofit organization
- Checkout Anna’s nature photography
Allies play a crucial role in supporting BIPOC anglers by advocating for inclusivity, amplifying their voices, providing mentorship, and creating opportunities for greater representation within the fishing community and industry.
Here’s how you can support:
- Follow, like, share, and comment on Grayling Education’s social media to increase visibility.
- Share resources with those who identify within the BIPOC fishing community.
- Speak out against hate and discrimination in outdoor spaces.
- Help create welcoming environments for all anglers.
- Support organizations actively working to promote BIPOC inclusivity.
- Volunteer at events or find other ways to lend a hand.
For more ways to support, reach out to Anna at [email protected]. Your support helps ensure that fly fishing is truly a space where everyone belongs.
- Understand the Reality:
- While the field offers rewarding experiences, it’s important to acknowledge both the pros and cons. Many aspects, like fieldwork, might be glamorized, but there can be tough conditions like low pay, long hours, and lots of moving around. It’s crucial to be realistic about what the work entails.
- Get Experience:
- Hands-on experience is key. Whether through internships, volunteer work, or seasonal jobs, field experience can give you a real sense of what you’re getting into. You’ll also build important connections along the way.
- Be Prepared for Challenges:
- In the environmental field, you may encounter prejudice or resistance, especially in rural or conservative areas. It’s important to develop a thick skin, seek supportive mentors, and find spaces that are inclusive.
- Stay Open to Growth:
- The field evolves, and so should you. Be open to learning new skills and seeking advice from others who have more experience. This can help you navigate the challenges of being a woman or a person of color in a field that has historically been less diverse.
- Be Patient with Yourself:
- Like any field, progress in conservation can take time. You may face setbacks or slow growth, but your unique journey will eventually lead to a place where you feel you are making a real difference.
“I definitely have been fortunate to have some really incredible supervisors in my life that have molded this beautiful culture that I want to keep maintaining and doing that in Grayling Education.” ~ Anna Le
The 2025 iFishiBelong “Be What You Don’t See” campaign highlights leaders breaking barriers in the fishing industry. Each month, we will feature individuals who challenge conventions and inspire change with passion and resilience, motivating the next generation of anglers to create their paths and “be what they don’t see.” By highlighting these trailblazers, we aim to inspire broader participation and show that leadership roles in the fishing industry are accessible to everyone, creating a more inclusive vision of success.
