Say hello to our Spring Interns: Hi Kiya!

Name: Kiya Leake

Role at WEA: Programs + Operations Intern

Hometown: Los Angeles

Fun Fact: Being on an amateur baking show is on my bucket list. I might have to move to Britain.

Why did you want to intern with WEA?

I wanted to be able to be surrounded by a diverse group of women fighting for the earth and those most affected by the shifts in our environment. I also wanted to get a feel for a nonprofit environmental organization and to see how things work.

What’s your go-to strategy for lessening your environmental/climate footprint?

I think personal decision goes a long way, recycling, being aware of any water abuse, using public transportation, there are so many things. However, at the end of the day what contributes the most to decreasing our country climate footprint is exercising political power and doing what I can to help shift policy in a more sustainable and just direction. Participating in the fight against corporate money and unjust law and policy. That’s the most effective in my opinion.

Tell us about a woman who inspires you.

My grandmothers are my favorite people in the world. You can learn so much by listening and storytelling. They’ve both been through so much including being single parents, abuse, educational disabilities, and other potential set backs. I feel like they made it possible for me to exist in my most liberated form because of all the battles they and so many other bold women have fight in the past.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the Bay Area?

Picnics and writing by lake merit for sure. It’s somewhere I’ll miss when I’m no longer able to.

Any community events coming up you’re excited about (bonus points if it’s women-led/organized!)?

I connected with a couple of staff from Greenpeace recently and so I’m looking forward to getting involved with them for sure.

What are you currently reading / watching / listening to?

Books:  Perfectly Legal by David Cay Johnston & The Water Will Come by Jeff Goodell
Podcasts: The Weeds, The Art of Growth, & The Breakdown by Shaun King