Kira Tenney

Director of Programs

With almost two decades of experience in environmental stewardship education and teaching whitewater kayaking, rafting, and safety, Kira is passionate about the planning and development of interdisciplinary programs that elevate youth and local communities through long-term opportunities to get out on the river. Kira’s approach is strongly rooted in the belief that local communities are the experts, and it is crucial to listen, learn, and collaborate accordingly to achieve common goals of sustainable community and environmental well-being.

She holds a Masters in International Conservation and Development from the University of Montana, with a research focus on opportunities and challenges of whitewater kayak and raft ecotourism development in Panbang, Bhutan, particularly in the face of threats of large-scale hydropower development. Kira is also a National Geographic Young Explorer grantee and a certified ACA kayak instructor. She has worked leading kayak, raft, and river safety programs and trainings throughout the US and in Chile, Bolivia, China, Bhutan, and Uganda.