Natalie Montecino

Natalie Montecino is a 2022 graduate from Colorado State University and a recently returned alumna from a 10-month Fulbright Research Fellowship in Okayama, Japan. In her formative years, Natalie spent extensive time in Louisiana with family, and her rural heritage inspired her to research the global challenges of rural decline.

After receiving a Critical Language Scholarship for Japanese study, Natalie began working with professors at Colorado State University and the University of Toronto to formally study rural resilience and sustainable development with a focus on Japan and France. During her Fulbright grant, Natalie researched rural revitalization efforts in Okayama with a focus on sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and local participation, culminating in the creation of a mini-documentary in partnership with Okayama University.

In conjunction with her field work activities in Japan, Natalie also served as a Project Impact and Storytelling Assistant for the Environmental Protection Agency, interviewing and writing compelling stories about climate adaptation work occurring in sub-Saharan Africa for the United Nations Global Adaptation Network Newsletter. Now, her background in rural sustainability, community engagement, international communications, and global program management helps her effectively serve as a Program Manager for the Climate Democracy Initiative.