The Western Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit public-interest environmental law firm, is proud to announce the addition of Nellis Kennedy-Howard to its board of directors.
Nellis Kennedy-Howard is an attorney with certificates in federal Indian law and natural resources law, as well as 17 years of experience in the non-profit, federal government, and Tribal government sectors. For more than four years, she served as director of equity, inclusion, and justice at the Sierra Club. She became an environmentalist in response to the largest uranium spill in U.S. history, which took place just miles from her family’s home on the Navajo Reservation.
“We are honored to welcome Nellis Kennedy-Howard to the WELC board,” said Board President Karin Sheldon. “Nellis’s extensive background and experience in Indian and natural resources law will enhance WELC’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the resolution of natural resources conflicts impacting Tribal communities and federal land management across the western U.S. Her expertise in equity, environmental justice, and inclusion will strengthen WELC’s role as an anti-oppression and anti-racist organization.”
“I first came to energy and environment work because of the harm done to my family’s land on the Navajo reservation and it is through this work that I connected with the phenomenal team at WELC,” said Nellis Kennedy-Howard. “There are few organizations that dedicate so much time, energy, and care to protecting the lands that I love most. I am excited to be a part of the WELC team and to support such a tremendous organization.”
“Nellis brings a wealth of experience in our areas of focus, and has fought environmental injustice on behalf of her own family and community,” said Executive Director Erik Schlenker-Goodrich. “Her wisdom and knowledge will be invaluable to WELC as we fight the systemic racism and oppression that have persisted for generations in our mission to safeguard the public lands, wildlife, and communities of the western U.S. in the face of a changing climate. We are overjoyed she has chosen to honor us with her guiding perspective.”
Founded in 1993, the Western Environmental Law Center uses the power of the law to safeguard the wildlife, wildlands, and communities of the western U.S. WELC is governed by a board of directors comprised of renowned attorneys, academics, and conservationists from across the country.
Contact:
Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, WELC Executive Director, 575-751-0351, gro.w1733262570alnre1733262570tsew@1733262570gskir1733262570e1733262570