Interview with Communications Director, Katie Edwards

1. Where are you from and what’s your background? 

I grew up down at the shore in South Jersey. Growing up at the beach gave me a unique appreciation for nature and our environment. From an early age, I was involved in beach clean ups and even adopted a seal from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, NJ. I was raised in a household where voting and taking action for causes you care about mattered. I was an environmental activist from a young age. 

2. What’s your role with the Council?

I’m the Communications Director. My role is exciting and allows me to play a part in all of the Council’s work. From social media, to press, to marketing

3.  How long have you been with the Council?

I started at the Council as a Development Intern in 2006. My current position as Communications Director truly encompasses all aspects of my responsibilities throughout the years and I’m excited to improve the way we communicate with the public. You may even see us on TikTok soon. 

4. What’s kept you motivated and invested all these years in the environmental movement?

The environmental movement is always growing and changing to become more effective. I’m constantly learning new tactics to be a better advocate and share our work with the public. This keeps me on my toes. With the climate crisis being the largest existential threat to our society, there has never been a more important or exciting time to be working in environmental advocacy. Communications strategies are always changing and I need to stay on top of them for the Council to remain effective. 

5. How can social media help advance climate solutions? 

Social media is a critical tool for advocacy. It can be used to disseminate information, hold elected officials accountable, and organize communities. The Council has begun to provide “Social Media for Advocacy” training for the impacted communities that the Council works with. These trainings are one of the best parts of my job. I get to see people newly armed with communications  tools to use to protect their health and environment. 

6. What’s the biggest challenge in communicating critical news the Council’s members or the public at large? 

The news can seem like a lot of doom and gloom. It’s important for people to see positive stories to balance out all of the negativity. It’s always a challenge for us to stand out in people’s newsfeeds or inboxes. Again (shameless plug), that is why it is so important for people to follow the Council on social media and open our email newsletters so that they can see the good work and victories that we have accomplished. The Council also regularly shares very important ways for you to get involved with our organization and take actions to protect the environment. 

Thanks Katie for everything you do for the Council!