History

In 2009, frustrated by the lack of female leadership at her and her colleagues’ environmental organizations, Founder Kathleen Finlay gathered a handful of women passionate about a range of sustainability and social issues. Out of that initial convening, they formed a network and named the group Pleiades.

Our Board

  • De-Ann Abraham

    Global Engagement Lead

    Stellar Development Foundation

  • Valerie Belanger

    VP, Learning & Development

    D.E. Shaw Group

  • Jennifer Bender

    Program Director, UMass Boston Sustainable Aquaculture

    Consultant, Blue Technology Innovation

  • Niquole Esters

    VP, Strategic Engagement

    E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation

  • Kathleen Finlay

    FOUNDER + CHAIR
    Pleiades Network

    President
    Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming

  • Irene Hamburger

    TREASURER
    Pleiades Network

    Principal & Strategic Advisor
    Just Maybe

  • Pam Hess

    CLERK
    Pleiades Network

    Executive Director
    Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture

  • Ann Luskey

    Emerging Visual Artist
    Principal Designer, InDesign LLC
    Philanthropist

Our Staff

  • Sophie Sagan-Gutherz

    COMMUNITY & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
    Pleiades Network
    sophie@pleiadesnetwork.org

  • "My passion is protecting the life and landscapes of California. I bring science to bear on equitable and actionable solutions with a focus on climate and fire resilience. I help elevate traditionally under-represented voices (with a focus on Indigenous and Latinx leadership) in large landscape conservation. I am particularly passionate to speak for the plants and animals who can't vote or make campaign contributions!"

    Lisa Micheli
    President and CEO, Pepperwood Foundation

  • "Building community and nourishing loved ones are absolutely a passion of mine! I strive to nourish the minds, bodies and souls of those I encounter and to leave this world more equitable than when I entered it."

    Madeline Henriquez
    Executive Director, Poughkeepsie Farm Project