Introducing Katie Figueroa Beltran, the Mystic River Watershed Association’s new Climate and Social Resilience Associate. She is working with us through the RAY Fellowship, which focuses on supporting underrepresented individuals in environmental-related fields. In this role, Katie will be working at the intersection of social & climate resilience to protect the watershed and surrounding communities dependent on it. Through this fellowship, Katie hopes to focus on community-centered efforts and use this fellowship as a two-year gap before applying to PhD programs.
Join us in getting to know Katie with this fun Q and A:
Katie on a scuba dive in the Florida Keys
Q: Tell us about an experience that has led you here:
I am from Salt Lake City, UT. We are known for having some of the worst air quality in the nation. I noticed how the air quality was impacting the health of my community and how rising temperatures brought less and less snowfall each year. After witnessing these events firsthand, I felt compelled to take action. During my undergraduate experience, I focused on species resilience; however, I also learned the importance of supporting communities most at risk from climate extremes. I chose MyRWA because of its approach to tackling climate change by centering community needs.
Q: What’s something interesting about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
I love to look at birds for fun! This past year, I developed a hobby of birding. I’m really excited to see what fall migration brings and can’t wait to see all the birds at the Mystic Lakes!
Q: What is your favorite type of food to cook?
I love traditional Mexican food. I find that food tastes better when it’s home-cooked, especially cultural foods. Everytime I miss home, I will cook up one of my grandma’s recipes.
Q: What’s your favorite season?
FALL. I have never experienced Massachusetts in the fall, so I am very excited. I love the mid-cool weather, the color of the leaves, and the coziness of it all. Plus, my birthday is in the fall!
Q: What part of your job are you most excited about?
I am very excited to connect and learn more about the communities MyRWA works with. We work across 21 cities and towns, so I look forward to visiting all of them!
Have any questions for Holly or want to introduce yourself? Feel free to email her at katie.figueroabeltran@mysticriver.org
