Renowned environmentalist Aldo Leopold. Courtesy/Aldo Leopold Foundation
Leopold Writing Program News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The Leopold Writing Program, an environmental writing and advocacy organization, has announced the appointment of new Program Director Nina A. Simon.
Simon comes to the organization with over 10 years in nonprofit management and volunteer experience, ranging from maternal health equity to small scale farm assistance. She joins the Leopold Writing Program after three years at Delta Management Group, where she served local organizations Casa Q, a shelter for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness in New Mexico, and the New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force, a breastfeeding and chestfeeding education and advocacy organization.
Simon brings to the position a background in event planning, fundraising and communications along with a personal investment in uplifting Albuquerque’s creative writing community.
Founded in 2009, the centennial of Leopold’s arrival in New Mexico, the Leopold Writing Program seeks to inspire an ethic of caring for the planet by cultivating diverse voices through spoken and written word. In the spirit of renowned environmentalist Aldo Leopold, the program uplifts the power of writing to inspire environmental conservation and engage the current and next generation of citizen leaders in the urgent conversation to address changing realities brought about by climate disruption, biodiversity loss, growing demand for fresh water, and other global conservation issues.
“During the first fourteen years of the Leopold Writing Program, our all-volunteer board has established an impressive track record: over 2,000 students in grades 6-12 from all over New Mexico have participated in the Leopold Writing Contest; 23 early to mid-career environmental writers from all over the country have been Aldo and Estella Leopold Residents; and such distinguished writers as National Book Award-winner Barry Lopez and Robin Wall Kimmerer, the acclaimed author of Braiding Sweetgrass, have given the Annual Leopold Lecture,” LWP founder Anthony Anella said. “We are ready to build on that credibility by hiring our first full-time program director.”
“I am very excited to be joining the Leopold Writing Program,” Simon said. “The program has an inspiring mission that aligns with my own personal ethics, a dedicated Board, and is at an important time of growth. I am looking forward to thinking creatively about how to expand the current programs and focusing on community building and partnerships.”
Simon is experienced in fostering engagement with the written and spoken word. Since graduating from Skidmore College with a BA in Creative Writing, she has attended writing workshops around the country and founded two local creative writing groups in Albuquerque. As the owner of a seasonal, locally-minded ice cream company, she brings her expertise in strategic planning and an investment in local farms and food systems to this position.
As Program Director, Simon will assist in managing the organization’s three main programs: The Aldo & Estella Leopold Residency, the Aldo Leopold Writing Contest, and the Annual Leopold Lecture. She will also oversee fundraising efforts, direct and grow communications, and work with the Board to develop strategic plans for the longevity and growth of the organization.
“This is an exciting opportunity to both expand the work of the Leopold Writing Program and assist the organization in nurturing and contributing to New Mexico’s writing community,” Simon said.
