V (Victoria) joined the team in 2022, bringing a tenacious passion for justice and a background in public health to help strengthen ARA’s advocacy efforts across the River State while empowering Southern voices. As Director of Advocacy Research, V explores how scientific and policy research can be engaged to advance equitable water management and infrastructure solutions. An Alabama transplant since 2016, they have grown to adore all the untamed nature and scenic waterways the state has to offer.

V is also currently pursuing a master’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies at Auburn University. They graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s in Public Health in 2020. V first became involved in environmental advocacy while volunteering with Coosa Riverkeeper as an undergraduate and has remained deeply committed to protecting Southern rivers ever since.

Victoria grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where she enjoyed the best of both worlds from the brackish bayous of the Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers to the salty Mississippi Sound. Their upbringing was steeped in Cajun culture and joy for the outdoors. Victoria enjoys visiting as many waterways as possible and makes it a goal to touch a new waterbody on every trip! They are of no relation to Charles.