As CVI’s External Relations Director, Shevawn works to convey the mission of the organization through an effective communications plan, while overseeing our public lands, clean energy and toxics programs. She strategizes and implements the best use of platforms, resources and storytelling tools in order to better engage with our members, the public, the media and elected officials and candidates.

My Story
I’m a conservation voter because the outdoors has given me so much: emotional and physical well-being, self-confidence and peace of mind. I want to make sure my kids and grandkids have the same opportunities.

The outdoors has always been an integral part of my life. Growing up, my family would take every opportunity to explore the outdoors – fishing and camping and long drives down dusty bumpy roads. Growing up in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, these outdoor excursions were a welcome change to the bustling traffic and city lights.

I moved to the Reno/Tahoe area for my undergraduate degree, and immediately fell in love with the pleasures of backpacking, off-roading (on designated routes, of course) and exploring new areas of the state. Every encounter with native wildlife, every star-studded night sky and every vast vista had me fall deeper in love with America’s public lands.

After college, I dove into a career dedicated to preserving and protecting our public lands, wildlife and clean air and water. I’m proud to have built over ten years of experience in public lands and conservation advocacy, strategic communications and lobbying. Some of my favorite highlights include the designation of Gold Butte National Monument, the permanent protection of Wovoka Wilderness, and the establishment of a Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition.

Although I’m not originally from Idaho, my family and I have been enjoying Idaho’s vast outdoors since my childhood – camping and fishing throughout this great state.

I moved to Idaho to be closer to family, and jumped at the opportunity to work for Conservation Voters for Idaho. Here at CVI, I’m able to combine my passion for conservation advocacy with my skills and talent for strategic communications and campaign planning.

Background

• University of Nevada, Reno: Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in writing and anthropology. Master’s in Journalism with an emphasis in strategic communications, media innovation and science reporting.
• Published author and documentary filmmaker
• Applications and Practices of Sustainable Living certification, Auroville, India.

Interests

Getting ready for the ultimate adventure – parenting! I also love spending time with my husband, our two dogs (Lady and Bowie) and cat (Fred). I’m a huge bookworm and when I have time, hiking in the outdoors.