From 2021 to 2026, Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud was the executive director of Bayou City Waterkeeper, and in 2026, she transitioned to co-executive director. Ayanna has deepened the organization’s commitment to bold action in an increasingly difficult political climate. She stewarded the creation and implementation of a three-year strategic plan to strengthen BCWK’s impact. This led Ayanna to quadruple organizational funding while pushing for values-aligned funder relationships, expand expertise through a larger staff and new strategic partnerships, and launch a new brand and communications plan. By centering new approaches to building community power, environmental advocacy, and creativity, Ayanna co-led the development of BCWK’s first-ever policy agenda; developed partnerships to initiate research and advocacy on equitable water infrastructure funding and green stormwater infrastructure centering frontline communities; and introduced cultural strategies by developing BCWK’s first artist-in-residence program and design lab.

Ayanna brings over twenty-five years of experience working in nonprofit creative, cultural, and environmental organizations. In previous jobs, Ayanna launched education and 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.