MESM 2027
Bio
Kalena Sapp is a graduate student at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, interested in the intersection of research and policy to develop equitable and integrated solutions to the climate crisis. Having grown up in the Colorado Rockies, her passion for environmental stewardship was shaped by the surrounding scenic mountain ranges and diverse alpine ecosystems, inspiring her career in conservation.
Kalena earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, graduating with distinction from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she explored comprehensive approaches to environmental challenges and actionable policy through the lens of diverse socioeconomic perspectives. Upon graduating, she served as a CivicSpark Climate Fellow with the City of Concord, California, working to advance local government capacity for climate action. In her role as the city’s sole sustainability coordinator, she developed and implemented critical climate policies, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, engaging with high-level stakeholders, and promoting equitable access to opportunities through community outreach and education. Her efforts to revitalize stalled environmental initiatives helped establish measures for ongoing progress and reporting, and she provided the City Council with its first update on the implementation of the city climate action plan since its adoption in 2013.
Now, as a Master’s student at UCSB, Kalena emphasizes the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration to inform and enhance equitable environmental planning and policy. Kalena's dedication to holistic and effective climate solutions drives her efforts to preserve the unique ecosystems she has cherished since childhood.