cultivating just and sustainable initiatives for people and the planet through strategic, collaborative, and community-oriented work
Original photos by Maria Doerr
Maria Doerr
Maria (she/they) works with public agencies, utilities, nonprofits, foundations, and entrepreneurs to build solutions that work with, and for, the communities they serve. She brings expertise in sustainable water management, clean energy, conservation, business development, stakeholder engagement, and strategy design.
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).
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.
Maria grew up on Ozark rivers and blackberry pie in Missouri.
She attended Conserve School, a semester school dedicated to Environmental Stewardship, and the Woolman 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.
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
Independent
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.
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.
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 improve projects, build empathy, and create solutions that work.
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 education, water, conservation, and climate. 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 Stanford University's 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 advance watershed conservation and sustainable ag 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. Directed weekly discussions, student classwork, and volunteer/learning trips. 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 to improve energy efficiency and regional energy security. Conducted socioeconomic impact monitoring and gathered community testimony to help inform and improve collaboration and enhance local capacity.
Environmental Policy Intern
The Strategic Growth Council / Office of Planning & Research
Sacramento, California
2014
Served as a Stanford in Government Fellow with the Strategic Growth Council / Office of Planning & Research. Conducted feasibility research on High-Speed Rail and aquaculture in the State. Co-facilitated public workshops in Oakland, LA, and Fresno to inform the new Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant Program. Coordinated a 10-week summer learning series for policy interns, law clerks, and staff.
highlighted experience
honors
Rob Williams Award for Emerging
Environment and Public Policy Leaders
Awardee selected by a panel of environmental and public policy leaders
Recipient - Association for Conflict Resolution
2020
Stanford Award of Excellence
Awarded to the top 10% of the graduating class
Recipient - Stanford Alumni Association
Stanford International Public Service Fellowship
Awarded to one graduating senior
Recipient - Haas Center for Public Service
Udall Environmental Scholarship
Honorable Mention - Udall Foundation
2016
Stanford Women of Impact
Recognition - Stanford Women in Business
2016
Human Cities Innovation Challenge
Honorable Mention - Human Cities Initiative
2016
Introductory Seminar Award of Excellence
Environmental Literacy Class Recognition - Stanford
2014
American Civil Liberties Award
Central Missouri Recipient - ACLU
2013