Staff Spotlight: Cynthia Venters
Cindi joined our forests program as the new Community Forest Program Associate.
“I love that Sustainable Northwest is committed to finding solutions that work for all stakeholders and values. I think this approach leads to longer-term, more impactful solutions.”
How did your childhood influence your decision to work in sustainability?
I grew up being taught that you should pick a career you’re passionate about. I had a lot of role models in my life that had careers they were excited about and they seemed to have the most fun day-to-day. I tried a few different types of roles but have found the work that has me most excited is when I get to work with communities to advance their goals and when I get to have a few field days outside.
How did your educational and career path lead you to Sustainable Northwest?
My time in the Peace Corps was my introduction to community centered natural resources work. I worked with a non-profit in Namibia, and we traveled to floodplain communities to set up community fishery reserves in an effort to improve fish populations, food security and local economics. After the Peace Corps, I attended American University and earned my master’s in international relations.
Cynthia Venters, Community Forest Program Associate
I was in the corporate world after I graduated but quickly realized I missed conservation work and a connection to a mission I believed in. Thereafter, I applied to the Presidential Management Fellowship program and through this program I accepted a Data Management role with the U.S. Forest Service. In my role I managed hydrology and timber data for the Rocky Mountain Region. I also spent a summer on the Bighorn National Forest where I did hydrology fieldwork. I am really happy to have landed in my role at Sustainable Northwest – it combines my interest in community led conservation and finding solutions that work for multiple stakeholders.
What do you like most about working at Sustainable Northwest?
I love that Sustainable Northwest is committed to finding solutions that work for all stakeholders and values. I think this approach leads to longer-term, more impactful solutions. I also appreciate that Sustainable Northwest works across a range of topics; this means I always get to learn something new!
Passions outside of work: Sewing, The Office, and hiking to a good view
One thing you think is overrated: Social media apps
Favorite thing to do on a day off: Finish up a sewing project and some outdoor yoga
Favorite place in the PNW: The Oregon Coast!
Book recommendation: Factfulness by Hans Rosling
Cats or dogs? Dogs (chihuahuas!)
Learn more about our community forests work
Cindi supports communities through our Community Forests program. Sustainable Northwest partners with communities and landowners to conserve and manage working forests that benefit local communities and economies, from protecting drinking water to supporting recreation, wildfire resilience, and local jobs. We also organize the Northwest Community Forest Coalition, a network of over 40 active community forests spanning upwards of 215,000 acres. Visit our Community Forests page to learn how communities across the Northwest are deciding their futures in their forests.
If you want to support this work and others like it, you can join The Tree Rings by making a recurring donation to Sustainable Northwest. Click here and select the option to make your gift monthly. Thank you!
