Creating structure and systems to control chaos, seeing the forest through the trees, and cultivating relationships with an open heart and kindness.

Noelia holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, and completed graduate-level coursework in Environmental Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Noelia lived there until 2014 and is now based in Denver, Colorado. She respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples.

The natural beauty of her homeland, Puerto Rico. Laughs with loved ones, conversations with her grandmother, and playtime with her cat. A cup of coffee, gardening, puzzles, and documentaries.

Carla brings a thoughtful, creative and organizational approach to her daily life, both personally and professionally. She loves to focus on building and nurturing meaningful relationships, and the desire to find and provide information to questions at hand.

Carla participated in Liberal Studies at California State University, Long Beach and Orange Coast College.

Carla resides in Long Beach, California, a few miles from where she grew up in Seal Beach. Carla respectfully acknowledge that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations.

Creative cooking & baking, designing garden arrangements, adventures with her nephews, and daily walks with her pups along the long beach peninsula. She’s a big fan of all things weather-related including dramatic skies, stormy seas, and snapping pics along the way.

Extensive experience, science and policy chops, affinity for efficient and holistic processes, and a passion for creating inclusive spaces for difficult conversations. A deep interest in approaching all aspects of her work with kindness, empathy, and through a pragmatic lens.

Rachelle holds a Masters of Applied Studies in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego and a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is a 2008 California Sea Grant Fellowship recipient and completed the NOAA CSC Facilitation Training: Navigating Rough Seas: Public Issues and Conflict Management.

Rachelle lives in Santa Barbara, California, which she considers to be one of the most magical places on earth. Rachelle respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Shmuwich (Barbareño) Chumash.

Authentic connections and relationship building, being in nature (especially solo hikes with her dog), laughing, adventures with her family, knitting, cooking, and enjoying the perfect chocolate chip cookie.

Eagle-eye attention to detail, strategic yet flexible approach to project design and implementation, interest in supporting efficient and structured conversations that advance shared goals and celebrate collaboration, and seamless translation of scientific and technical information to diverse audiences.

Sara holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, and a B.A. in Marine Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and has training in conflict resolution and negotiation.

Sara lives in Torrance, California, with her beautiful son Lucas and spends a lot of time learning about gemstones and fossils. Sara respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Tongva (Gabrieleno) Nation.

Exploring with her son, drinking margaritas, never cooking a recipe twice, and swimming in the ocean.

Inclusive and supportive problem-solving, coalition building, celebrating small successes, and developing long-lasting relationships.

Bri holds a Masters of Science in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Knox College. She completed the Mid-Career Institute for Environmental Leaders at the University of Seattle in 2019.

Bri lives with her husband, Travis, and their dog, Sukie, in Port Orford, Oregon. Bri respectfully acknowledges that she lives on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of the Tolowa Dee-ni’, Tututni, and Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Being in nature (especially Oregon’s temperate rainforest), exploring new places, removing invasive plants to make room for native plants, and winning the race with her dog to eat ripe wild berries.

Meeting people where they are at. Pushing boulders up big mountains. No matter the subject matter or challenge, pausing to listen, assess, and create an efficient and strategic plan of implementation that everyone is on board with. 

Rebekah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Texas A&M University, with a focus in Psychology and Tourism, as well as several Post-Graduate certificates focused on Public Policy, Leadership, Community Engagement, and Public Participation from Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy, The American Heart Association’s Fellowship Program, City of Austin CityWorks Academy and Leadership Austin.

Rebekah is based in State College, Pennsylvania, current home to The Pennsylvania State University and The Happy Valley, with her husband, son, and sibling cats. Rebekah grew up in small-town Texas and has explored and lived in cities and nature around the Lone Star State, southern California, and Central PA. Rebekah respectfully acknowledge that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of Pennsylvania.

Sipping and tasting just about anything al fresco. Learning someone’s origin story. Successfully using up the very last of an ingredient. Listening to podcasts at 1.25x speed. Exploring PA with her family.

Understanding and humility. Ability to see holistically to create trust and build good relationships.

Teresa holds a Bachelor of Arts, Oregon State University in Cultural Anthropology.

Teresa is from the Santa Barbara, California area, the home of her ancestors. Teresa lived and worked in Tribal community in Michigan for a number of years and returned home to California in 2007 to work and serve Tribal community on the West Coast. Teresa lives in the Lompoc Valley with her husband and their wonderful cat.

Walks on the beach, being in or and on the ocean, with family and community to share time and joy, gathering on her traditional landscape, sewing and needlework, cooking, sipping good coffee and being in her garden.

An expansive spirit committed to team-based daring leadership, unparalleled drive to supporting empathetic communication, an openness to trying new things and making big (brave) decisions, a creative eye, and a love of spreadsheets and good thesaurus.

Kelly holds a Master of Applied Studies degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego and a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science from Trent University. Kelly is a certified mediator with the City of Los Angeles and has received a professional certification in “Negotiating Effective Environmental Agreements.” She is an alumna of Leadership California, Class of 2018, and was a recipient of the 2010 Innovation in Technology Award from the US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution.

Kelly lives with her incredible husband and semi-feral cat in Los Angeles, California, and relies on the wonders of Idyllwild to retreat and recharge. Kelly respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Gabrieleño-Tongva.

Meaningful conversations that build lasting connections, ‘follow her nose’ walks in the woods, creating things with her hands — knitting and sewing are favs (in honour of Grandma McGee), spending time with her nephew and nieces, delightful cups of tea with a really good book, donkeys, cuddles from reluctant cats, green juice, mindfulness meditation, and flowing through a vinyasa.

Scarlett takes a trust-centered, heart-forward approach to project management and facilitation. She works with a diverse set of clients and stakeholders within the natural resource management realm to develop strategies, incorporate marginalized voices, and advance project goals and initiatives.

Scarlett lives with her partner, Kiefer, and their various plants in San Francisco, California. Scarlett respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Muwekma, Ohlone, and Ramaytush.

Scarlett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Science from the University of California Berkeley. She has participated in a variety of trainings, including Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, which is aimed to build empathy and cultivate authentic and innovative teams, as well as Fundamentals of Public Participation training through the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).

Scarlett has received the IAP2 USA Greater Good Emerging Leader for 2024 Award for her work with the IAP2 USA Young Professional Network.

Exploring tide pools, skiing, long hikes through national parks, traveling the world to visit and experience new cultures, and any opportunity to get outside with friends and family.

Building bridges and throwing ropes to cross chasms. Holding space for cultural understanding and creative thinking. Generative and generous relationship-building.

Priya holds a Ph.D in Ecology from the University of California, Davis, a M.S. in Ecology from San Diego State University, and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of California, Davis. Priya also has training in providing expert witness testimony and extensive science communication experience.

Priya lives with her husband and two cats  in Oakland, CA. Priya respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Ohlone people, the Muwekma Tribe, and Confederated Villages of Lisjan.

The salty smell that tells you the ocean is nearby before you can see it. The crisp feeling of air in the morning. The joy of spotting a snow-capped mountain in the distance. The taste of sharp cheddar and stone ground mustard. And, the levity that only puns and cat memes can bring.