Ayanna brings over twenty-five years of experience working in nonprofit creative, cultural, and environmental organizations. Since 2021, she has been executive director of Bayou City Waterkeeper and, in 2026, transitioned to co-executive director. She has led intersectional advocacy, developing partnerships to launch new research and advocacy on equitable water infrastructure funding and green stormwater infrastructure centering frontline communities; co-led the creation of the organization’s first policy agenda; led the creation and adoption of a 3-year strategic plan; quadrupled the organization’s budget through values-driven fundraising, expanding capacity with the hire of new positions in organizing, policy, communications, and law; launched a new brand and communications plan; and developed the organization’s first artist-in-residence program. Previously, Ayanna launched public programs at a botanic garden, led multidisciplinary and cross-cultural program development at nonprofits and universities throughout the U.S., led fundraising and nonprofit management as an independent consultant, and founded a cross-disciplinary creative studio. Recent awards include the Texas Women in Conservation – Terry Hershey 2025 award through the Texas Audubon; Rachel’s Network 2024 Catalyst awardee for mid-career environmental leaders of color; and the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund in 2023-24. Ayanna is also an artist and writer, focusing on the environment, diaspora, and geography.