Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud has led programs and mobilized resources at environmental and cultural institutions for over twenty years before joining Bayou City Waterkeeper in 2021. She develops frameworks for new ways of imagining and advocating for natural resources and environmental justice, centered on water and community in the Houston region.
Recently, she worked at Houston Botanic Garden as director of education and public programs leading the launch of the organization’s first-ever educational offerings including virtual lectures and tours, a community garden, classes, a docent program, school programs, and a summer camp. Ayanna also brings experience in capacity building, development, and fundraising at institutions including University of Houston, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Project Row Houses. She studied Visual and Critical Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is currently training to be a Texas Master Naturalist. Additionally, she represents BCWK as a member of the Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus and is the Harris County Representative for the Natural Resources Advisory Committee at the Houston-Galveston Area Council.
A native Houstonian, she is also an interdisciplinary artist and makes art and writes about nature, diaspora and equity. She and her family enjoy her subwatershed, Braes Bayou along with other water bodies throughout Greater Houston and the habitat that they support.
You can reach her at ayanna@bayoucitywaterkeeper.org.