The Mountaineers
We often hear about melting glaciers, burning forests, and sea level rise, leaving us feeling helpless and overwhelmed. At this year’s An Evening of Advocacy event, you’ll hear directly from a panel of climate experts who will inspire you to feel something more - hope.
Lately, there’s so many reasons for hope in the face of this crisis. Both the U.S. Congress and the Washington State Legislature passed historic climate legislation that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Local companies like Microsoft are executing ambitious climate commitments and driving innovation in climate technology and investing. And grassroots movements galvanized by young people, artists, and Indigenous peoples are inspiring millions to speak up and take action.
Join us to celebrate these recent wins and learn about cutting edge climate solutions from leaders in politics, business, conservation, and communications. Our panel of experts will share why they feel optimistic about the future of our planet and the natural places we love, and how Mountaineers members and outdoor recreationists can continue driving positive change.
This is our final ticket sales reminder. Be sure to reserve your spot today.
An Evening of Advocacy
Meet our Panel of Climate Experts
Senator Reuven Carlyle
Chair, Senate Environment, Energy, & Technology Committee
Senator Carlyle represents Washington’s 36th Legislative District (including the Northwest Seattle neighborhoods of Ballard, Queen Anne, and Magnolia) in the State Senate. Through his 14 years in the Legislature, Senator Carlyle successfully championed ambitious climate legislation, including leading the charge to pass the historic Climate Commitment Act in 2021 and the Washington Clean Transformation Act in 2019. Together, these laws create an economy-wide cap and invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move the state’s electric utilities to 100% clean and renewable energy by 2045.
Helen Cherullo
Executive Director, Braided River
Helen serves as the Executive Director of Braided River, the conservation imprint of Mountaineers Books. Braided River partners with well-known conservation organizations to create awareness around environmental issues through the emotive power of books, and the media outreach, public events, traveling museum exhibits, and support for photographers' fieldwork that flow from those published works. Through images and stories that showcase the beauty and awe of the natural world, Braided River works to preserve endangered places and wildlife. Helen previously served as publisher of Mountaineers Books for 20 years.
Mark Kroese
General Manager for Sustainability Solutions, Microsoft
Mark and his team oversee Microsoft’s sustainability product strategy, customer and partner engagements, and the $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund. Mark is a 22-year Microsoft veteran and believes that technology will play a critical role in the world’s journey to net zero. Outside of Microsoft, Mark has been instrumental in several forest preservation projects, including the creation of the Central Suriname Conservation Corridor and a REDD project in the Orientale Province of the DRC. Mark is also a Mountaineers Books author and former Mountaineers board member who enjoys climbing and skiing in the mountains.
Betsy Robblee, Moderator
Conservation and Advocacy Director, The Mountaineers
Betsy leads The Mountaineers conservation and advocacy programming, including driving partnerships and coalitions, executing advocacy campaigns and communications, and supporting fundraising efforts that result in long-term outcomes to protect public lands and the outdoor experience. Betsy has over ten years of experience in policy, advocacy, and community engagement experience, including serving as the Policy and Outreach Manager at the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition and as a legislative aide to Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Rick Larsen.
What else can I expect?
In addition to the interactive panel discussion, tickets include dinner from AQUA by El Gaucho, drinks, and access to an exclusive PNW-focused silent art auction.
Funds raised through ticket sales, the silent art auction, and donations will provide critical support as we work towards our advocacy goals and conserve our natural world for future generations. You can learn more about the evening’s festivities, including the waterfront venue and climate panel, on our event website.
Thank you to Rachel Knight and our sponsors
Interested in sponsoring a future Mountaineer’s event? Contact Hana Wilder at hanaw@mountaineers.org or call 206-521-6020.
