Area of Focus
Kelsey Morales works as the Equity and Engagement Manager by supporting WRA’s conservation policymaking and advocacy work by fostering policies that drive just outcomes in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. She promotes a culture of equity by supporting justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. In addition, she explores opportunities to strengthen partnerships with diverse communities, individuals, and coalitions.
Background
Kelsey joined WRA in January 2025 with a community organizing background specializing in climate justice work. She has 10 years of experience working on climate justice issues with Tribes, nationally and regionally. She also spent the last decade teaching introductory college-level climate courses.
In 2018, she completed her master’s in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University where she examined the just and democratic nature of community renewable energy systems. This research led her to start working more in the justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion spaces, especially with Indigenous Tribes in the Colorado Plateau area. Passionate about working with diverse communities, Morales is committed to making meaningful, equitable change by fighting the impacts of climate change in the West.
Today, she teaches an Introduction to Environmental Studies course at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where she now lives. Her love of teaching has always been a tangential addition to her climate and social justice work. She takes pride in working with environmental stewards because she feels more connected to the places she works to protect and the people within it.
Kelsey’s time away from work is spent adventuring around the Southwest with her trusty pup, Tozi. The two love waking up early and catching the first tracks of fresh snow. She is a regular at the local hot springs, where you can find her enjoying time with friends and family or enjoying a good read.
Accomplishments
Kelsey was a contributor to the first Status of Tribes and Climate Change Report, a piece written by and for Indigenous people about the impacts of climate change and the strategies and solutions Tribes are engaging in to preserve and protect their traditional lands. She also helped organize the first National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference, a biennial conference that brings Indigenous and Tribal community members together from around the world.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from Northern Arizona University
- Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University
Favorite thing about the West
I love the pristine night skies filled with stars, the magic of untouched snow, and the roar of a desert river.
