INTRODUCING OUR NEW POLICY INTERN OF THE COALITION FOR THE DELAWARE RIVER WATERSHED!
By: Kimberly Pelosi, Policy Intern, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
Hello CDRW community!
My name is Kimberly Pelosi and I am happy to announce that as of April 2021, I joined the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) as their Policy Intern. Below you can find a little more information about myself and how I landed here.
I have been drawn to the outdoors for as long as I can remember which lead me to Rutgers University New Brunswick, where I studied Environmental Policy and Economics and graduated in 2015.
During college, I had the opportunity to intern with the Edison Wetlands Association located in the Dismal Swamp Conservation area of NJ, which is where I first developed an interest in water-related issues. Through this experience, I also developed an understanding that we cannot properly address environmental problems without acknowledging the social and economic conditions and inequalities intertwined with these problems. I have since felt a strong urge to pursue a career path that allows me to take a more whole-systems approach to environmental issues.
Upon graduating, I stumbled upon a role with a Philadelphia nonprofit called Community Integrated Services, where I currently work as a business developer within the organization’s School to Work Transition program. In this role, I work with high school students and young adults with disabilities to help them transition from school to the workforce- helping program participants develop vocational skills and connecting them with job and internship sites.
Although I have enjoyed, and deeply value the experiences that I gained in this role, I am looking to steer my career back toward the field of environmental policy and outreach/education. I have a particularly strong interest in stormwater management due to its co-beneficial nature and would like to explore ways to create more investment opportunities in green infrastructure solutions. One of the co-benefits of green infrastructure I am interested in exploring further is the opportunity it may provide to engage, educate, and employ youth.
I am also enjoying my current involvement with CDRW member the Watershed Institute’s Community Watershed Advocate Program where many volunteers, including myself, are gaining a better understanding of how to advocate for water-related environmental issues at the local level.
During my time at CDRW, I hope to learn more about the legislative process and deepen my understanding of the ways in which various stakeholders interact and work toward the Delaware River Watershed’s sustainability goals. I am thrilled to take on this role, and excited to contribute to this team and work with you all!