Jen Kretser (she/her) is the Director of Climate Initiatives for The Wild Center – a science center in the Adirondack Park in northern New York State. Jen manages The Wild Center’s climate change engagement programs including the global Youth Climate Program which was highlighted by the Obama White House Office of Science and Technology; interpretive programs for visitors; green building education & design; and other climate related initiatives/partnerships. She is working to help catalyze youth climate summits around the world. In November 2021, Jen led the Wild Center Youth Delegation and the US Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) Delegation at the UN COP 26 in Glasgow. Jen is on the coordinating team of the U.S. Action for Climate Empowerment – working to build a network of climate change education, public engagement and training across the country. In addition, she is a founding member of the NY Climate Resilience and Education Task Force which elevates climate change education and action in NY Public Schools; and the national Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network Board. As a senior staff member at the Wild Center Jen works on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives including a long-standing partnership with the Haudenosaunee. She also serves on the Adirondack Diversity Initiative core team, Adirondack Mountain Club Board and on the North Country Clean Energy Hub Advisory Committee. Jen has over 30 years experience working in the non-profit sector supporting educators and youth in and out of schools. She has worked with the Adirondack Mountain Club, Zoo New England, Jane Goodall Institute, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Cincinnati Zoo and Paul Smith’s College. Jen is a graduate from Cornell University in Wildlife Ecology & Antioch University in M.S. Environmental Science & Education. When not working, Jen can be found outside hiking, paddling, xc skiing and picking blueberries with her family and friends.