Kai Carter

Kai is a strategic, values-centered leader with over 20 years of experience in environmental sustainability, community resilience, and social equity. As the inaugural Head of Global Programs at Waverley Street Foundation, Kai leads her team in supporting global movements, organizations, leaders, and local communities implementing climate change solutions.

Prior to joining Waverley Street Foundation, Carter served as Director of the Global Climate Initiative at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, where she oversaw the Foundation’s investments to halt tropical deforestation and promote just and sustainable development. During this time she played a pivotal role in leading Forests, People, Climate, a collaborative of philanthropic donors and civil society with a similar purpose. She has managed teams and programs working at the intersection of people and the planet in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. She is a passionate advocate for the rights of women, girls, and communities of color and also serves as the Chair of the Board of the YMCA East Bay.

Carter earned a B.A. in International Relations from Brown University, a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies from the University of the South Pacific. Kai spends her free time trail running with her dog and soaking up sun rays while paddle boarding in the ocean.