Jeanette Dorner / Pierce Conservation District

Jeanette first began working with the Pierce Conservation District in 1996 when she created a community group to restore the health of Muck Creek and the District became a major supporter of that effort.

She grew up in south Pierce County on the banks of Muck Creek, a tributary to the Nisqually River. She has a B.S. in Earth Sciences and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Pacific Lutheran University and an M.S. from the University of Washington’s College of Forest Resources with a focus on Restoration Ecology.

She worked for 11 years as the Salmon Recovery Program Manager with the Nisqually Tribe, coordinating the protection and restoration of the Nisqually watershed, then five years as the Director of Ecosystem Recovery at the Puget Sound Partnership. Jeanette joined the Nisqually Land Trust in November 2020 as Executive Director.

Jeanette chairs the Pierce Conservation District and serves as the current President of the Washington Association of Conservation Districts.

Ebony Webber / Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences

Mrs. Webber has spent the past 15 years transforming MANRRS into a nationally recognized name. She focuses on driving innovation while building enriching programs to connect diverse students and professionals and aid in their leadership development.

Ebony hails from a rural town in the Mississippi Delta, received her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Stillman College and holds a certification in Technology Management and Master’s in Business Administration, both from the University of Phoenix.

Kim LaFleur / National Association of Conservation Districts

Kim LaFleur is the state advisor and program director for the Massachusetts FFA Association. Along with her husband Jeff, and two sons Cameron and Logan, they own and operate Mayflower Cranberries in Plympton, Massachusetts. LaFleur also breeds and shows World Grand Champion miniature horses and Shetland ponies.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries biology from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. She serves as the chair of the Plymouth County Conservation District’s board and is the 2012 recipient of the NRCS/NACD Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award.

LaFleur serves as First Vice President for the National Association of Conservation Districts.

Sarah Dryfoos, {R}evolution Lab

Sarah Dryfoos (They/Them) is the co-founder and principal at {R}evolution Lab, a social impact consulting collaborative and equity incubator. Sarah grew up in Northern California, in a community that was built to foster sustainability, resiliency and connection. This upbringing informed Sarah’s interests in undergraduate school, where they studied Environmental Policy through the Planning, Public Policy and Management department at the University of Oregon. Sarah went on to receive a Masters in Public Health from Oregon Health Science University and Portland State University.

Sarah has 16 years of experience working in social sector organizations where they have focused their attention on building systems and cultures that are resilient, equitable and effective. In their free time, Sarah enjoys making pottery, cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with their partner and puppy.

Dr. Cindy Caldwell, DEI Management

Growing up in Texas as a woman who identifies as a Lesbian, Dr. Cindy Caldwell experienced the horrific effects of sexism and homophobia. This fueled her desire to educate people about the issues surrounding those that are Queer, as well as those experiencing homelessness, poverty, a disability or all of these things.

Dr. Caldwell received her PhD in Mythological Studies with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology (Carl Jung psychology of archetypes and symbolism) from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her education in mythology seemed a natural springboard for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work. Her studies included research into Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Indigenous People and African religions, the understanding of which translates extremely well into DEI work.

Dr. Caldwell is a certified Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professional, as well as a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory or IDI. The IDI is a well-known assessment tool that provides data showing the biases and cultural awareness of an organization or individual.

Maria Lara, Streamline

As Streamline’s Special District Advocate, Maria has collaborated with over 500 special districts across the US to empower local governments with the support of technology. By getting to know each district personally, Maria is able to help them overcome each unique challenge within the office and throughout the community. Her expert knowledge regarding local government technology legislation, ADA compliance, and district operations allow districts to easily achieve their technology goals.

Mark Craven / Snohomish Conservation District

Mark Craven has served over 20 years on the Snohomish Conservation District Board of Supervisors. His commitment to the Snohomish community of farmers is truly inspiring.

In Mark’s words: “As a farmer, I’m given the opportunity to be a steward. It is a privilege to make a living off the land, and a responsibility to take care of it for those who come after. We don’t really own it. Having one’s name on a farm gives us the opportunity to make choices, good choices, for now and for future generations.”

Mark chairs the Snohomish Conservation District and serves as the Past President of the Washington Association of Conservation Districts.

Amy Hayes / AEH Consulting

Raised on Jacques Cousteau and Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom, Amy knew early on that she would pursue a career in environmental sciences. After completing my education and entering the workforce, she pursued ways to combine her love for ecology with a desire to work directly with farmers, ranchers, and consumers who loved the land like she did. Along the way, Amy picked up a skillset in adult learning theory and today she practices all the things that she is passionate about.

Amy has spent most of my career working directly with land stewards to understand and improve ecological systems, build agricultural sustainability, restore wildlife habitat, and appreciate mankind’s role in continuous learning to steward the landscape. She has over 25 years of experience applying ecological principles as a backbone to outreach programs.

Amy applies adult learning principles in non-formal science education with her background in ecology to create solutions that help producers learn critical principles and management practices that support their farms and ranches. She specializes in learning design, environmental education, ecological principles, land stewardship, and generational intelligence.