Supporter of the Month: Meet Kathy Halvorsen
At Na'atik, we're proud to be a community-driven organization, deeply rooted in the Mayan culture of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo. Our mission to provide transformative language and cultural experiences thrives thanks to the dedication of our team, including our remarkable board members. Today, we're thrilled to introduce Kathy Halvorsen, a board member whose lifelong commitment to environmental science, Indigenous communities, and global collaboration perfectly aligns with Na'atik's values.
A Lifelong Connection to People and the Planet
Kathy's journey began with a childhood spent exploring the outdoors, observing animals, and cultivating a deep ecological awareness. This passion evolved into a distinguished career as an environmental scientist, where she recognized that protecting our planet requires working hand-in-hand with communities. As Associate Vice President for Research at her university, Kathy now leads international teams across the Americas and West Africa, fostering research administration and capacity building. Her work emphasizes collaboration, particularly with Indigenous nations, which she views as sovereign partners in creating sustainable solutions.
"I've always been very ecologically oriented," Kathy shares. "I became interested in people as I started to work in the area of trying to protect the environment and recognize that we really need to work with people to create effective environmental solutions".
Bridging Cultures Through Na'atik
Kathy's connection to Na'atik began with a search for a Spanish immersion program that went beyond the typical tourist experience. She found Na'atik in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a town she loves for its authentic Mayan culture and distance from the hustle of tourist hubs like Cancún. Na'atik's unique blend of teaching English, Spanish, and Mayan languages resonated deeply with Kathy, who has been studying Anishinaabemowin, the Indigenous language of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where she lives for now, for years.
"I decided a couple of years ago that the rest of my life. I want to live with at least one foot in Latin America at all times," Kathy says. "...there are a lot of wonderful communities. I've had the privilege to work all over Mexico and Latin America and for me, those are the places I prefer to be in, and Carrillo is one of my favorite ones."
As a board member, Kathy brings her expertise in securing foundation funding, helping Na'atik expand its impact. She has already provided valuable guidance on funding applications. Also, she looks forward to returning to Carrillo in October, with plans to visit once or twice a year in the long term.
Lessons from Mexico and Beyond
Kathy's work in Mexico isn't new. She previously contributed to a six-country project studying renewable energy, including from palm oil in Tabasco and jatropha in Yucatán. Her research focused on maximizing community benefits while minimizing ecological harm, such as through intercropping to preserve habitats. In Yucatán, she saw how local jatropha plantations allowed workers to stay close to their families, though the project's lack of long-term stability highlighted the need for sustainable solutions, a lesson she carries into her work with Na'atik.
Her international experience, from Latin America to West Africa, has taught her the value of patience, bilingualism, and cultural sensitivity in building effective teams. "Scientific communication between English and Spanish is easier due to shared linguistic roots," she notes, "but everyday conversations can be trickier. It's about listening and learning from each other."
Advice for the Next Generation
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Kathy offers powerful advice to young women worldwide, whether they're pursuing science, environmental work, or any passion: "Seek mentors and champions who believe in your talents. They'll help you navigate hidden cultural rules and open doors. Then, turn around and mentor others, it's incredibly rewarding."
Kathy's mentors and students, many of whom now work with her, have shaped her career. Her current project, RACIMA, aims to unite research universities across the Americas and West Africa, a testament to her belief in collaboration as a force for change.
Why Na'atik Matters to Kathy
For Kathy, Na'atik represents a powerful blend of tradition and progress, deeply rooted in the Mayan culture of Felipe Carrillo Puerto while fostering opportunities. "Organizations like Na'atik are the future," she says, reflecting on its ability to celebrate centuries-old Mayan heritage while providing education and empowerment to the local community. She's inspired by how Na'atik creates a welcoming environment, connecting staff, students, locals, parents, taxi drivers, collaborators, and more into a vibrant, inclusive network. Kathy values thoughtful details, like the careful consideration of how to spell "Na'atik" in Mayan, which reflects the organization's respect for the community it serves. Her dedication to Na'atik's mission drives her work on the board, where she continues to champion funding opportunities to sustain and grow this unique institute.
We're honored to have Kathy's expertise and passion on our board. Her commitment to environmental and social justice, Indigenous collaboration, and global learning strengthens Na'atik's mission to empower our community through education and cultural exchange.
Join us in welcoming Kathy back in October, and stay tuned for more stories from the Faces of Na'atik series!
To learn more about Na’atik’s English language program for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, visit our Impact Page. We are only able to provide this much needed program thanks to the support of generous donors and the funds raised from our award winning Maya and Spanish Immersion Program. If you would like to support our mission please consider donating today or take a look at our immersion programs and online class packages.