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

Noelia holds a Bachelor of Science Degree 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.

Noelia is from Puerto Rico and lived there until 2014. She is currently based in Denver, Colorado. Noelia respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the traditional, ancestral & unceded land 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, CA, a few miles from where she grew up in Seal Beach.

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, which she considers to be one of the most magical places on earth. Rachelle respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on traditional, ancestral & unceded land of 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 Redondo Beach, Ca, with her husband and son (and at the beach as much as possible). Sara respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on traditional, ancestral & unceded land of the Kizh Nation.

Kissing, hugging, and squeezing her toddler, playing board games with her husband, never cooking a recipe twice, and swimming in the ocean.

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, 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.

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 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, and relies on the wonders of Idyllwild to retreat and recharge. Kelly respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the traditional, ancestral & unceded land of 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.

A willingness to hear and experience different perspectives and to work collaboratively to develop strategies that honor expressed needs and reflect diverse world views.

Scarlett has lived in six different states and has settled down in the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.Scarlett respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the traditional, ancestral & unceded land of the Muwekma, Ohlone, and Ramaytush.

Scarlett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Science from the University of California Berkeley.

Exploring tide pools, hucking cliffs while skiing, long hikes in remote locations, 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 curmudgeonly cat in Oakland, CA. Priya respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the traditional, ancestral & unceded land of the Ohlone people, including 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.