Riley Ruff

Riley Ruff (they/them) is a Curriculum Developer with Climate Democracy Initiative, where they create opportunities for young people to take active roles in their communities at the intersection of education, civic engagement and environmental action. Riley elevates their experience as a queer and trans organizer, working to uplift impacted communities, bring diverse individuals together and build a better, more inclusive future for all.

Riley has over 10 years of experience in the environmental and community organizing space, beginning as a student themself at Colorado Young Leaders, and most recently, acting as Program Coordinator. Riley has facilitated engaging and educational workshops on leadership, storytelling and youth advocacy for the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education and the Boettcher Foundation, and previously worked at 350 Colorado and The Alliance Center.

Riley recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest where they pursue their Masters of Environmental, Natural Resource and Energy Law at Lewis and Clark Law School. In combination with their degree in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability from Colorado State University, Riley operates at the intersection of science, community organizing and inclusive policy.

When not buried in environmental statutes or building out interactive workshops for students, Riley can be found basking in the forests surrounding their home, with their dog, listening to an audiobook.