Kira Welch is the Managing Director of the Institute for Applied Sustainability at Southern Oregon University, where she has served since 2023, leading initiatives that bridge campus operations, academics, students and community partnerships to advance holistic sustainability efforts. Her work is guided by a systems-thinking approach that emphasizes building institutional capacity, fostering meaningful relationships, and driving continuous improvement toward regenerative outcomes. She is deeply committed to creating transformative learning opportunities, prioritizing mentorship, professional development, and hands-on experiences that position SOU as a living laboratory for addressing current and emerging regional sustainability needs. With a passion for collaboration, Kira works to cultivate inclusive and resilient networks that tackle complex sustainability challenges. Beyond her professional role, she enjoys drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Southern Oregon through hiking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, and crafting.