KATHIANN KOWALSKI
I’ve been a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists since 2012 and greatly value the camaraderie and professional support among our members. Now I look forward to giving back to the organization as your representative on the board.
SEJ and its members face both new and ongoing challenges: Besides increasing diversity by the numbers, how can we truly engage members from different backgrounds? How can we encourage respect for our members and profession, even as some politicians and special interests reject science and attack the free press? How can we help members thrive despite limited publishing budgets and an uncertain economy? And how can we support our members in an era of physical distancing?
SEJ’s resources and services are particularly important for those of us who are not part of large, well-funded organizations. Too often we have limited budgets and need to pay for travel and other expenses out of pocket. And sometimes professional opportunities go to others who are perceived to have the potential for greater impacts due to market reach. SEJ helps to fill that gap by apprising us of those chances and by sharing information about how we can amplify the impact of our work.
As a longtime freelance journalist, I’ve written more than 700 articles for outlets such as Energy News Network, Science News for Students, Eye on Ohio, Front Vision, Cobblestone, American Forests and other publications. I’ve also written 25 books on a range of topics.
Before turning to journalism, I was a partner in the environmental practice group for a multinational law firm. My law degree is from Harvard, where I was a note editor for the Harvard Law Review.
My perspective and experiences make me a valuable asset to represent you and help our profession move forward. I believe we all have a duty to defend freedom of the press under the First Amendment, so I am especially interested in working for the organization on such issues. I am also interested in helping with governance matters and other issues we face as a not-for-profit organization.
Of course, the financial health of SEJ and strategies for its continued growth matter greatly as well. The organization needs to thrive in order to continue serving us all.
On a personal note, I was happily married for a long time to a wonderful man. And I cherish time with my two surviving children and their out-of-town families when I am able to see them. I also enjoy hiking, beach trips, reading and sewing tailored clothes. Thank you for your consideration and your vote.
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