Senior Specialist, Climate Resilient Water Systems, Environmental Defense Fund

Kait has a background in freshwater ecology, water policy, and collaborative governance. Born and raised in Arizona, she is deeply passionate about advancing water access and security across Arizona communities and ensuring that sustainability efforts are grounded in equity and inclusion. Currently working with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), she manages the Water Leadership Institute in Arizona. The program is designed to bridge science, policy, and community action and intends to create a third space for dialogue around water, sustainability, and environmental justice to encourage collaboration among diverse individuals to shape resilient and equitable water futures. While pursuing her M.S. in Water, Society, and Policy at the University of Arizona, Kait conducted research on decision-support technologies, such as the Groundwater Accounting Platform, and explored how accessible groundwater data can expand opportunities for community voices to influence water management and decision-making. Outside of her professional world, Kait enjoys cooking, playing cards, birding, and hiking in the desert with her dog, Cricket.