Brenda Kessler
Hoboken,United States
Summary
I connect people, purpose, and funding to move ideas into action for children. Drawing on my bicultural background, I help build trusted partnerships across sectors, mobilize resources for targeted initiatives, and lead technical assistance that turns shared vision into implementation. With roots in journalism and environmental science, I leverage storytelling as a tool to align stakeholders and advance programs that expand opportunities for children, especially those in underserved communities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Children & Nature Network
New York, NY
01.2022 - Current
- Lead data-driven, systems-focused programs that align diverse stakeholders around better outcomes for children.
- Facilitate in-person multi-stakeholder gatherings & lead as subject matter expert on the impact of the built environment on young children including at COP28, WEEC2024, NAAEE, and C&NN Nature Everywhere Conferences.
- Lead the strategic planning and execution of programs for national and international cohorts focused on connecting young children to nature; greening school grounds and early childhood nature connection. Most recently launched a cohort with in Mexico & Colombia.
- Deliver technical assistance to government, school, and community leaders to implement nature-based strategies that improve health, climate resilience, and educational outcomes.
- Write 40+ grant reports, project proposals (successfully funded), feature articles, publications and blogs that highlight the work of U.S based and international cities.
- Represent the Children & Nature Network at key national (USA) & international events.
Program Coordinator
Children & Nature Network
New York, NY
08.2020 - 12.2021
- Coordinated cross-functional teams in an 11 U.S city cohort to ensure timely completion of program deliverables.
- Led the writing and publishing of the 'Green Schoolyards Design Guidelines' alongside 10+ partner organization leaders.
- Supported managing the initiative's budget, wrote and designed program materials and co-facilitated cohort meetings.
- Researched, synthesized and presented findings related to U.S. and international cities engaging in greening school grounds.
- Represented C&NN at local and international events engaging in panel discussions, sessions and workshops.
Senior Digital Producer
Telemundo 47
New York, NY
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Collaborated with reporters, anchors, and other team members to develop and deliver over 100 unique, informative news stories.
- Managed all phases of digital content production for the station's digital platform.
- Crafted compelling narratives that resonate with New York's Hispanic audience.
- Participated in editorial meetings, pitching story ideas while considering available resources and overall target audience.
Reporter
Univision Communications, Inc.
New York, NY
12.2010 - 01.2017
- Covered in-person local news events (politics, climate, human interest, and breaking news stories).
- Wrote, edited, and produced over 200 stories for digital platforms.
- Supported managing main social media accounts for Univision WXTV New York, increasing user engagement by 75% and highlighting stories directly from the online community.
Education
Master of Science - Natural Resources And Environmental Science
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Science
ITESM - Tecnologico De Monterrey
Guadalajara, Mexico08-2009
Minor - International Relations And Affairs
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, CA2009
Skills
- Languages: English (native) and Spanish (native)
- Project Management (Asana, Monday & Basecamp)
- Strategic Planning
- Fundraising & grant writing
- Public speaking & written communications
- Cross cultural communication
- Meeting facilitation
- Microsoft Office & Google workspace proficiency
- Impact storytelling through authorship of blogs/news articles
Affiliations
- IUCN Commission on Education & Communication member
- Salzburg Global Seminar Fellow 2022 & 2025
- Member of International School Grounds Alliance
- Board of Trustees - Team Wilderness
- American Swiss Foundation Young Leader 2016
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Program Manager
Children & Nature Network
01.2022 - Current
Program Coordinator
Children & Nature Network
08.2020 - 12.2021
Senior Digital Producer
Telemundo 47
01.2018 - 01.2019
Reporter
Univision Communications, Inc.
12.2010 - 01.2017
Master of Science - Natural Resources And Environmental Science
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Science
ITESM - Tecnologico De Monterrey
Minor - International Relations And Affairs
University of British Columbia
Blog
Simplegreenparenting.org is a personal blog where I share my journey as a parent of young children on living a greener lifestyle and advocate for nature connection as an essential part of a healthy childhood.
Links
- Around the world, green school grounds benefit children, communities and the environment
- IUCN publication: Ten Step Guide to Greening School Grounds & Nature Based Education
- Podcast in Spanish with Fundación 99: La importancia de la naturaleza en el desarrollo integral de niños y niñas.