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 12 years of experience collaborating with organizations in the non-profit, academic, governmental, and institutional sectors on a range of critical environmental & climate issues, strategies, and solutions . 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 the following organizations: Canyonlands Field Institute, Grand Canyon Trust, Black Mesa Water Coalition, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, International Indian Treaty Council, U.S. Water Alliance, Sierra Club, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars, Southwest Decision Resources and more.
Currently, Colleen is an External Advisory Council member with the Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science.
To learn more about Colleen’s interests, visit her personal website here.