Kara Conner (she/her) is the Science Program Manager for the Climate Science Alliance and will play a lead role in supporting the Collaborative of Native Nations for Climate Transformation and Stewardship. Connecting herself and others to the natural world has been at the core of her career. Kara is a passionate voice for the environment, sustainability, and food ethics. She connects people to local resources and builds places of community throughout all her work. Through all of her experiences she has valued and centered the relationships and partnerships that create the backbone for collaborative change. She studied environmental science as an undergraduate and developed an unwavering connection to the land after experiencing the depths and glory of the Grand Canyon. Kara has traveled and worked in dozens of National Parks and Forests across the country, inspiring young leaders and connecting youth to the land by way of land stewardship and conservation initiatives. While running a nonprofit organization just north of Seattle, on Duwamish land, she promoted food equity and created free community programming centered around food access and education. Seeking to be closer to the coast and wildlands of Southern California she currently lives in San Diego, on Kumeyaay land, with her partner, and very boisterous cat. Throughout her career Kara has been a certified Wilderness First Responder, Crosscut Faller (trained by the Dolly Chapman), Backcountry Wilderness Volunteer, and a Leave No Trace Master Educator. She has also held board seats for multiple organizations supporting food equity, including the Washington State Farmers Market Association.