Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud brings over twenty-five years of experience working in nonprofit creative, cultural, and environmental organizations. As Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper, she develops collaborative environmental justice solutions focused on water quality, wetland protection, and flood resiliency. Since 2021 while at Bayou City Waterkeeper, she has led initial research and advocacy on water infrastructure funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and State Revolving Funds; led the creation and adoption of a 3-year strategic plan; expanded the organization’s budget through values-driven fundraising; launched a new communications plan, brand, website, and the organization’s first artist-in-residence program; and has nearly tripled staff size with the hire of new positions in organizing, policy, communications, law, and water justice.

Before working at Bayou City Waterkeeper, she launched inaugural environmental education programs at Houston Botanic Garden, founded a cross-disciplinary creative studio at Project Row Houses, and developed international cultural exchanges with artists in Mexico and the Caribbean. She has also led strategic growth through capacity building and fundraising at the University of Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Diaspora Cultural Arts Incubator, and additional organizations in Houston, Miami, and New York.

Ayanna currently serves on the steering committee of the Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus at PolicyLink. Ayanna is also a visual artist, writer, and mother, and enjoys learning about her watershed and basketball with her son.