Kayalena Geck
San Diego
Summary
San Diego native and passionate sustainability advocate with a background in energy benchmarking, greenhouse gas accounting, and community engagement. I’ve helped government clients across the country improve their environmental impact, but now I’m returning home — because San Diego is where my heart is, and I’m committed to helping shape a more resilient, equitable, and climate-smart future here. Known for turning technical data into accessible action, I bring strong public speaking skills, process optimization experience, and a deep belief in the power of community to every project I take on.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Energy and Sustainability Specialist
Touchstone IQ
03.2024 - Current
- Facilitated energy benchmarking program development for government clients to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Delivered technical support and guidance to building owners and managers via phone and email.
- Assisted users in navigating benchmarking tools and interpreting energy performance data.
- Articulated financial and operational benefits of energy efficiency improvements to stakeholders.
- Contributed to internal process enhancements by developing clearer resources and streamlining project workflows.
Climate Action Program Analyst
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Conducted in-depth research on climate issues to support city-wide sustainability strategies.
- Consolidated and analyzed survey results to guide policy decisions and community engagement.
- Led public outreach initiatives through community tabling events, fostering dialogue on local climate goals.
- Designed and implemented induction cooktop loaner program to reduce residential gas stove use.
- Established gas leaf blower ban, promoting electric alternatives in partnership with stakeholders.
- Combined technical analysis, strategic communication, and program development to enhance climate resilience objectives.
Housing Program Specialist
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Executed implementation and administration of city affordable housing initiatives and federal Housing and Urban Development programs.
- Prepared performance metric reports to evaluate program outcomes.
- Developed program components to enhance service delivery and efficiency.
Green Office Certification Program Coordinator Lead
UCSC Sustainability Office
Santa Cruz
03.2019 - 06.2022
- Executed waste, water, and energy audits to pinpoint sustainability enhancements for campus offices.
- Coordinated daily project activities while delegating tasks among teams for efficient implementation.
- Designed visual assets, including logos and presentations, to enhance program communication.
- Reviewed and improved campus-wide sustainability policies, leading to enhanced program effectiveness.
- Monitored certified Green Offices to uphold compliance with environmental standards.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Studies
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06.2022
Skills
- Greenhouse gas accounting
- Energy STAR benchmarking
- Environmental auditing
- Survey design and data analysis
- Process optimization
- Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Adobe InDesign and Canva
- Social media management
- Program communication
- Project management
- Public speaking
- Community engagement
- Professional writing
- Team leadership and organization
Affiliations
- Gardening
- Surfing
- Climate Justice Activism
Languages
American Sign Language
Limited
References
References available upon request.
Relevant Coursework
- Fall 2020
- ENVS 145 : Green Cities
- Winter 2021
- ENVS 142 : Sustainable Energy
- Fall 2021
- ENVS 143 : Sustainable Development
Timeline
Energy and Sustainability Specialist
Touchstone IQ
03.2024 - Current
Housing Program Specialist
City of Santa Cruz
10.2022 - 03.2023
Climate Action Program Analyst
City of Santa Cruz
06.2022 - 09.2023
Green Office Certification Program Coordinator Lead
UCSC Sustainability Office
03.2019 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Studies
University of California, Santa Cruz
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