Natalie Montecino is an educator, international researcher, and rural community development champion.

In addition to her role with the Climate Democracy Initiative, she is the Instructor for the Stanford University e-Minamata Program, which examines environmental justice, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and U.S.–Japan relations.

Prior to joining CDI, Natalie completed a Fulbright Fellowship in Okayama, Japan where she researched rural revitalization efforts, community engagement, and local development practices in partnership with Okayama University. During this time, Natalie also studied Japanese tea ceremony and Bizenyaki pottery techniques.

Born in Littleton, Colorado, Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Colorado State University, with concentrations in Japanese, French, International Development, and Political Science. Natalie is an alumna of the Asia Foundation’s LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future program and the Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship program.

Contact information: natalie@climatedemocracyinitiative.org