My path crossed with Kay’s when I was hired on to lead the Coast Salmon Partnership- which is working to protect the last best salmon populations in Washington State. I was truly an underdog- by resume, I was unqualified and had no experience on the ins and outs of being an executive director- let alone fundraising. As a small fledgling nonprofit, fundraising was the first of many challenges I would face. Somehow, word of my hiring reached Kay and before I knew it our paths were forever linked. Kay saw something in me that I was unable to see in myself- and she rooted for my success. She believed that my passion and grit were more valuable than my knowledge of nonprofit structure. She was my trusted confidant, the person I reached out to when I needed to talk through strategy, or complain about the conservation world’s lack of progress. When I was offered a position at the Wild Salmon Center, Kay was the first person we all called. The Harder Foundation has funded both organization’s work and we wanted to make sure that my transfer would not rock Kay’s boat. Kay did not skip a beat in her support- after rigorous questioning of course about our transition strategy.
I have had the distinct privilege of spending time showcasing our work out in the field with both Bruce and Kay. I will forever cherish that time spent on the beautiful coast of the Olympic Peninsula- sharing stories of protests, and fighting to protect what you love and believe in over dinner and wine around the campfire.
Since Kay passed, the world feels a bit off kilter. I have lost a sense of peace that I had knowing that Kay was walking around the earth helping to provide inspiration as I fight the daily battle of conserving and restoring critical ecosystems. I find myself out in the garden a lot lately, asking my garden plants for their advice on my most recent conservation strategies. I firmly believe that Kay is listening and can feel her energy! My tomatoes must be feeling it too- because they are growing leaps and bounds. I only hope that Kay’s strength and grit will continue to help me grow as I move forward in my conservation career. Thanks Kay and Bruce for believing in me and the tough work that we do!