Maria Doerr

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Maria (she/they) currently works independently with public agencies, utilities, nonprofits, foundations, and entrepreneurs to build climate solutions that work with, and for, the communities they serve. She brings expertise in clean energy, conservation, sustainable water management, business development, stakeholder engagement, and strategy design.

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Maria previously worked as a strategy consultant with Redstone Strategy Group and
as a project officer with Conservation International Mexico. Her work has led her across the U.S. and around the world – from gathering public commentary on Cap & Trade Grant programs in California to supporting rural solar energy projects in Nicaragua and researching sustainable city development in India. She actively participated in and conducted research at two UN Climate Conferences (COP21 and COP24).

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Music and creative endeavors are a part of all her journeys. Two of Maria's
audio documentaries have aired internationally and she has shared her voice through music and storytelling with large and small audiences around the world.

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Maria grew up on blackberry pie in central Missouri. She attended Conserve School, a free semester boarding school dedicated to Environmental Stewardship, and the Woolman Quaker Semester School for Peace, Justice, and Sustainability.

Maria graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering and a Notation in Scientific Communication.

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See a snapshot of her resume below

education

Stanford University

B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering

with a focus in Urban Environments

Notation in Scientific Communication

Sustainability Consultant

2020 - Present

Consulting on early-stage climate, water, and conservation initiatives with foundations, nonprofits, agencies, utilities, and entrepreneurs. Supporting efforts to sustainably manage vital natural resources and advance clean energy solutions. Applying expertise in strategy development, design thinking, community engagement, and strategic communications.

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Clients include Pew Charitable Trusts, USDA-NRCS, BOEM, the California Water Data Consortium, San Diego County, the Salt River Project, the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, Sustain Tomorrow, and others.

Please get in touch if you would be interested in collaborating!

Design Thinking Instructor

Leeds School of Business

2020 - 2021

Co-facilitated a design thinking course in partnership with environmental NGOs. Coached top undergraduate scholars on design thinking and storytelling and how these tools can advance environmental projects and decision-making for more viable, equitable outcomes.

Social Sector Strategy Consultant

Redstone Strategy Group

Colorado, USA

2018 - 2020

Strategy consulting backed by rigorous quantitative analysis, research, and facilitation to help philanthropies and nonprofits solve critical social problems in the education, water, conservation, and climate fields. Led equitable and collaborative processes to uplift community voice and racial justice in philanthropic decision-making.

Water & Cities Fellow

Conservation International

Mexico City, Mexico

2017 - 2018

Awarded the year-long 2017 Stanford University International Public Service Fellowship to work with Conservation International's Water & Cities Alliance. Promoted community-driven conservation through project development and strategic communications. Supported engagement and coordination with local communities, the private sector, other NGOs, and academics to improve conservation initiatives.

Smart Cities Fellow

The Energy and Resources Institute

New Delhi, India 

2016

Prepared recommendations for TERI and Ministry of Urban Development on resilience, sustainability, and inclusiveness of Smart City Plans under the Smart Cities Mission of the Government of India. Co-coordinated speaker event for the World Sustainable Development Summit - Regional Dialogues.

Environmental Justice Instructor

Stanford University

California, USA 

2016

Designed and initiated a course called Environmental Justice in the Bay Area through directed weekly discussions and field trips to local organizations. Expanded student learning and reflection through a collaborative blog. Independently formalized support and funding from the Associated Students of Stanford, the Haas Center for Public Service, and the Earth Systems and Urban Studies Departments.

Solar Power Community Liaison

blueEnergy

Bluefields, Nicaragua

2015

Consulted with rural communities to repair small-grid solar PV systems and perform system diagnostics for greater energy efficiency. Conducted socio-economic impact monitoring and assembled community testimony to improve collaboration and enhance local capacity.

Environmental Policy Intern

The Strategic Growth Council 

Sacramento, California

2014

Served as a Stanford in Government Fellow with the Strategic Growth Council. Conducted research and supported public workshops across the state to jump-start the new Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant Program. Coordinated with leaders across the Capitol to provide a summer training series for the Office of Planning & Research policy interns, law clerks, and staff.

honors

Rob Williams Award for Emerging

Environment and Public Policy Leaders

Awardee selected by a panel of seasoned environmental practitioners

Recipient - Association for Conflict Resolution

2020

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Stanford Award of Excellence

Awarded to the top 10% of the graduating class

Recipient - Stanford Alumni Association

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Stanford International Public Service Fellowship

Awarded to one graduating senior

Recipient - Haas Center for Public Service

Udall Environmental Scholarship

Honorable Mention - Udall Foundation

2016

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Stanford Women of Impact

Recognition - Stanford Women in Business

2016

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Human Cities Innovation Challenge

Honorable Mention - Human Cities Initiative 

2016

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Introductory Seminar Award of Excellence 

Environmental Literacy Class Recognition - Stanford

2014

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American Civil Liberties Award

Central Missouri Recipient - ACLU

2013

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