Bios match photo order.
Melissa Burrell: Conservation Media Impact Producer
Melissa is the Conservation Media Impact Producer for Braided River. She oversees the various moving parts for each project, focusing on what we call “Impact Campaigns.” She facilitates partnerships, manages media content, works with the traveling museum exhibits, and finds pressure points where political targets are prioritized. Melissa has her Master’s in Environmental Management from York University in Toronto, with a focus on Indigenous Sovereignty and Water Governance. She is passionate about ethical relationship building with Native people as a platform to sustain conservation. In her free time, Melissa loves trail running, exploring Washington, and searching for the best ice cream in Seattle!
Eliza Weyman: Media & Outreach Coordinator
Eliza joined the Braided River team in March 2024 as Outreach Intern, transitioning into her current role as Media & Outreach Coordinator in September following her graduation from the University of Washington. Eliza spreads the Braided River message through marketing communications, from social media management and analytics to website updates and e-newsletters. She also feels lucky to collaborate with colleagues on events. Guardians of Life is Eliza’s favorite Braided River campaign because of its unique global perspective. This Indigenous-centered impact campaign is both representation for Indigenous communities and a much-needed lesson for Western societies on how to successfully safeguard our planet.
Fun facts: Eliza is originally from the Chicagoland area, her favorite trail mix ingredients are cashews and raisins (we are a trail mix-loving team), and she’s an avid backpacker.
Ray Stoeve: Grants Manager
Ray, our Grants Manager, joined the Braided River team in July 2023. They initially got involved with Braided River because of Erika Lundahl, our former Deputy Director and dear friend of theirs, but Braided River turned out to be an incredibly values-aligned and life-affirming experience. They research and write grants, manage grant reporting requirements, connect and build our community of funders, and collaborate with Helen and Melissa on Braided River’s fundraising strategy. Ray’s favorite Braided River impact campaign is Guardians of Life because it exemplifies the shift in cultural values—one that values Indigenous knowledge—that we desperately need. Outside of Braided River, Ray is an author with four published YA novels and a grad student studying to become a therapist. Aside from their three career paths, Ray loves spending time outside with loved ones, reading, and gardening!
Elena Loper: Events and Exhibits Coordinator
Elena has been with Braided River since 2023 as Events and Exhibits Coordinator. She coordinates events, book launches, and photography exhibits for Braided River’s authors and partners. Elena has planned over 60 events, from dozens to hundreds of attendees, at intimate venues, museums, and universities across the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Arizona, and California. Although Elena grew up in Los Angeles and earned her undergraduate degree from UCLA, she has called the PNW home for over a decade. She enjoys applying her background in library sciences and education to Braided River endeavors and is honored to work in such a hopeful, mission-driven environment. Elena is also a cat mom of two, named Sprinkles and Cinnamon!