OUR TEAM
We are committed to a world where all communities enjoy clean and safe air, water, land and open space. The Climate Spheres team envisions active mitigation, monitoring, protection, warning systems and infrastructure that reduce pollution and improve lives. The technology to achieve our vision exists, the time is now to utilize it, especially in our most vulnerable and at-risk communities across the globe.
Kathleen Nielsen
Founder and Executive Director
Kathleen is a global governance, risk, compliance, and ethics leader with extensive experience leading organizations, transactions, partnerships, and initiatives in commercial, public and non profit sectors. Kathleen's collaborative, inclusive and equitable leadership approach ensure the desired outcomes are achieved for the benefit of all.
In addition to her work with Climate Spheres, Kathleen serves on multiple non-profit boards. Currently she serves for one nonprofit dedicated to advancing women and another aiding impoverished and orphaned children. Kathleen holds BA and MPA degrees and is certified as an SHRM-SCP and SPHR.
Tabitha Shikuku
Global Development Lead
Tabitha Florence Shikuku brings expertise in sustainable financing, international development, and project management to the Climate Spheres team. With a global perspective cultivated through her work with the companies, governments, NGOs, and academia, Tabitha has led projects and conducted research in finance, economic development, and clean energy sectors. Her areas of expertise encompass finance, sustainability, climate and environmental affairs, policy development, resource mobilization, and the implementation of environmental social responsibility initiatives.
Tabitha holds a BBM in Finance and Banking from Moi University, Kenya, an MBA from Holy Names University, California and has pursued additional studies in Social Innovation at the University of San Diego and Global Diplomacy for Energy Transition in Africa at the University for Foreigners Perugia, Italy. Currently, she is completing her MPA with a concentration in Policy Analysis from Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis.
Gary Start
Founder and Director
Gary is an engineer with extensive global experience in definition, design, implementation, and operation of various platform solutions in collaboration with related partners and vendors in N. America, Europe, South Asia and Asia Pacific regions.
Gary leverages his in-depth systems knowledge and his technical expertise to deliver the best technological solutions for the desired project or product. Gary holds multiple degrees and diplomas in engineering physics, electrical and electronic engineering, and computer architectures.
OUR VALUES
Act with Passion and Respect
Our commitment to community-led change and improvement stems from our multi-faceted experience in government, commercial and the non-profit sectors. By fusing our unique knowledge and skill sets with our zeal to improve public health and the environment, we create an innovative platform to attack environmental problems
Environmental Justice for All
Climate Spheres supports and empowers communities as they develop and implement solutions that significantly address environmental and/or public health issues at the local level posed by their disproportionately bearing pollution loadings and exposure.
Develop Collaborative Partnerships
We don’t have all the answers to address the many harmful impacts of climate change. However, we do have an extensive network of like minded and collaborative partners in communities, NGOs, government, and industry. We believe our inclusive approach delivers the capacity, science, and technology we need to solve the climate change crisis.
