Q&A with Kimberlee Obilana, Vice President of People & Operations

In two sentences, tell us what you do at The Freshwater Trust.
I oversee the organization’s operations, which means I monitor the administrative functions that provide the foundation for our staff and programs to tackle our mission. My topline job duty is ensuring the engine runs smoothly and that our staff enjoy their jobs.

What’s the most important thing you’re working on right now?
Hiring our next team members and getting us settled into our new office space in Portland. (We’ll announce and share details of the new location next month.)

What’s something happening at the organization right now that you are excited about?
We are getting a lot of traction with projects focused on conservation actions in agricultural areas that reduce runoff and lessen water quality impacts downstream. I’m excited to see how more funding in this area will allow us to advance our research and recommendations for prioritized conservation projects.

What do you love about working for The Freshwater Trust?
Having worked for 14 years in the private sector before joining TFT, it was inspiring to move to a mission-driven organization where each and every one of my colleagues is ultimately working toward the same goal. I love what we are doing in on-the-ground restoration. Many obstacles often slow conservation projects, but we don’t let those obstacles stop us. I’m proud that we are using our innovative tools and leveraging policy reform to overcome challenges and continue to gain momentum on our mission to protect and restore freshwater resources.

Last book you read or movie you watched?
Book: How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair. Movie/Documentary: Path of the Panther.

Last place you traveled?
I haven’t flown anywhere for fun in 2024, but I made two trips to Italy and New York last year that brought enough joy to carry me through this year!

Kimberlee fly fishing in the Chama River, New Mexico.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’ve spent the last five years ‘mom-ing,’ so I hope in the next five years, I can get back to many of the things I did before I had a kid – backpacking, traveling, and catching up with friends across the globe.

What’s your number one piece of advice for someone trying to get into this field?
Persist! The job market is tough, and a lot of people apply for open positions. Not getting a job you applied for means nothing; you must keep applying, putting in the time, and working towards your ideal role.