Rising Leader Spotlight: Katie Valdez

Meet Katie Marie Valdez (she/her), a recent summa cum laude graduate of the Justice Studies Program at Westminster College. Katie joined us for leadershift in 2021.

INTERVIEW BY AMBER BENALLY

What did you learn from working with the Grand Canyon Trust’s Rising Leaders Program?

That where there is oppression, there is always resistance. My takeaway here is that [in the environmental movement] we are rarely starting from scratch — most of the time, there are already organizations and communities doing the work. We must uplift and support them, lending to the struggle whatever skills we may bring.  

What would you like to see for the Colorado Plateau and your communities?

Simply put, I want to see us win! I want…our communities to be strengthened…I want to see Indigenous futures and Black futures and the futures of imperialized peoples around the globe come into fruition as they see fit. I want to see us rebuild and relearn how we relate to the land and to each other. 

What impact does climate change have on young people? On those who are older?

The climate crisis is impacting people now — young and old. Frontline communities have already been experiencing the effects of climate change and they are concerned about their present. This is why the concept of ‘just futures’ is important. It recognizes that our present reality is unjust — that people are suffering now — and that this reality must change.

If you could give one piece of advice to young people today, what would it be?

Always ask the hard questions of yourself and others in your life. Never stop pushing yourself and those you care about to be more critical. This may result in some tough conflicts — both internally and externally — but I’ve seen the good that can come from them if you decide to stand your ground and fight rather than shy away. With humility, and with courage, always be critical.

What’s next for you?

I hope to go to graduate school, and then possibly become a teacher or professor in sociology or another similar field. I want to keep studying the works of Black and Indigenous revolutionary and decolonial theorists, researching graduate school programs, and keeping my eye out for job opportunities in my field of interest.

Amber Benally manages the Grand Canyon Trust’s Rising Leaders Program.

The Grand Canyon Trust’s Rising Leaders Program brings young people together to build leadership, advocacy, and professional skills and work toward creating a more just and sustainable future for the Colorado Plateau. Learn more ›

EDITOR'S NOTE: The views expressed by Advocate contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Grand Canyon Trust.