Colleen Cooley grew up wandering the washes, mesas, and sandstones in Shą́ą́ʼtóhí, a small community located on the Navajo Nation in northeast Arizona. She is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) born for Lók’aa’ Dine’é (Reed People). Her maternal grandfather’s clan is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flows Together) and her paternal grandfather’s clan is Tł’izi’łání (Manygoats). She is from the communities of Shonto and Blue Gap, Arizona and this is how she identifies herself as a Diné (Navajo) woman.
Colleen received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences in 2008 and a Professional Master’s in Science in Climate Science & Solutions in 2012, both from Northern Arizona University.
Colleen has over 10 years of experience working and collaborating with organizations in the non-profit, academic, and governmental sectors on a range of critical environmental and climate issues and strategies. As a facilitator, community organizer, researcher, advocate, and educator, she has built long-lasting relationships and networks that has given her the confidence and experience to engage with varied audiences. Colleen has worked with organizations such as the Grand Canyon Trust, Canyonlands Field Institute, Sierra Club, Black Mesa Water Coalition, the Institute for Environmental Professionals, Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, International Indian Treaty Council, U.S. Water Alliance, Interdisciplinary Global Programs, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars, and more.
In addition, Colleen is currently the Indigenous Program Director with the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival and an educator/guide with the Canyonlands Field Institute for their Native Teen Guide in Training Program.
To learn more about Colleen’s interests, visit her personal website here.