Stewards Magazine

After graduating from Yale with a BS in ecology and evolutionary biology, Kimberly Guo (MS ’21) led educational programs about watershed science and habitat restoration in California’s Bay Area. She enjoyed the work, but she began to wonder why the audience didn’t represent the area’s diversity, which inspired her to address the relevance and accessibility of outdoor spaces.

At SEAS, she was sure that she’d focus on environmental education but, early on, she chose to specialize in Behavior, Education and Communication with a large dose of Environmental Policy and Planning and Environmental Justice coursework.

“SEAS was a good place to explore a broad range of options for classes, particularly in the social sciences, where I was most interested,” says Guo. She adds that her master’s project gave her a peek into the world of consulting, and demonstrated the impact she could have by collaborating with clients.

Now a senior associate at Better World Group, Guo takes on projects that address park equity and natural resources, with a focus on conservation and environmental justice.

“To me, parks and public spaces are intersectional, and provide an essential piece of the fabric of how and where we live,” says Guo. “I go to a park to exercise, get fresh air, calm my brain, watch wildlife and socialize. But on a systemic level, they provide public health benefits, sequester carbon, provide habitat, host community gatherings and more. When parks are absent it’s obvious, so I’m grateful to work on expanding and improving these spaces to make them available and welcoming to as many people as possible.”