Humanizing Environmental and Conservation Justice with Melissa Romero

When Bearing Witness: Becoming a Trauma-Informed Storyteller

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In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Romero, Associate Director of Marketing at The Nature Conservancy, to explore the critical intersection of environmental advocacy and trauma-informed storytelling. We delve into how environmental and conservation challenges profoundly impact communities, revealing the human stories often hidden behind environmental issues.

Melissa sheds light on the often-overlooked trauma that environmental challenges can impose on people, from the devastating impacts of climate change to the displacement caused by conservation efforts. Her insights expose the deep human dimensions of environmental transformation.

We explore the delicate balance between communicating urgency and maintaining compassionate care in environmental communications—ensuring we motivate action without overwhelming or paralyzing our audience.

Through her thoughtful perspective, Melissa illuminates a path toward more responsible and empathetic environmental storytelling.

About Melissa

Melissa Romero is an Associate Director of Marketing at The Nature Conservancy. She has had the honor of telling stories that drive change for good through various roles as a journalist, editor, and non-profit communications and marketing professional. Today, she continues to champion and practice ethical, trauma-informed, and values-based storytelling.

Connect with Melissa

LinkedIn | The Nature Conservancy

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email