Leader Spotlight Series: Kelly Wyche, Co-Founder of Collective Power
Jacinta Gordon | February 26, 2025.
Introducing Wild Gift alumni Kelly Wyche—an environmental advocate, community builder, and Co-Founder of Collective Power. Dedicated to empowering underserved communities facing climate challenges, aging infrastructure, and unsustainable practices, Collective Power’s mission is simple yet profound: Power to the People.
Kelly Wyche, Co-Founder of Collective Power and Wild Gift Fellowship alumni, Class of 2022.
Kelly is an incredible leader who has spent years working alongside communities to foster resilience and sustainable practices. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that collective action can drive meaningful change, and she continues to inspire others through her commitment to empowering people and places. With a new book launch, an exciting move to Alaska, and ongoing community partnerships, I feel privileged to share her journey and highlight the impact she is making. We caught up with Kelly to learn more about her work, her journey, and what’s next for Collective Power.
Wild Gift: What is Collective Power, and what inspired you to start it?
Kelly: Collective Power was founded with the purpose of assisting underserved communities facing the challenges of climate change, aging infrastructure, and unsustainable lifestyle practices. Our vision is a world with resilient communities—thriving now and prepared for the future—where all people engage in collective action to create what they need for themselves.
WG: What exciting projects are you currently working on?
Kelly: We have just published a book! It is an exciting celebration of all of the work we have been doing with communities for the last five years. The book is a practical tool to help individuals and communities reflect on different aspects of community and aggregate individual preferences into collective priorities. I also wrote the foreword, which is a personal reflection on why I do this work.
Building Community with Collective Power,
- Kelly Wyche & Christine Wyche!
We are already using the book with clients and are looking forward to transitioning away from consulting work to focus on new projects. Additionally, I recently accepted a position advising local entrepreneurs and students at the University of Alaska in Anchorage, so I’ll be moving there in the spring! I’ll also be joining the Wild Gift Alumni Trek in Alaska this summer, and I’m grateful to still be active in this community.
WG: How did the Wild Gift Fellowship impact your journey?
Kelly: Doing the Wild Gift Trek gave me the confidence and actual experience to move courageously in the world. It opened up a new level of appreciation and knowledge of the wilderness and connected me to a network of people who I can adventure with!
WG: Was there a specific challenge that Wild Gift helped you navigate?
Kelly: When I was on my fellowship trek, I remember thinking and talking a lot about strategies for making money—something that is still a work in progress! But looking back, I actually gained a lot of clarity on teamwork and my strengths as a leader and navigator.
WG: What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned since your fellowship?
Kelly: The power of having a clear vision. Bringing my full self to this work. Being discerning with funding sources and potential partners.
WG: What’s next for you and Collective Power?
Kelly: We have just started working with a community in rural Alabama—Siyanda—and are looking forward to helping them envision and plan for sustainable infrastructure on their land. The book launch is also a great opportunity to work with new communities, share our research at conferences and events, and develop more practical tools based on feedback from our first offering, Building Community with Collective Power.
WG: Are there any ways the Wild Gift community can support your work?
Kelly: Right now, I’m looking to connect with anyone in or about Alaska! Connections, recommendations, wilderness experience suggestions, personal stories—really anything related to the Last Frontier. I am so excited to tap into the community in Anchorage and would love any advice or connections as I make this transition.
WG: How can people stay connected with Collective Power?
Kelly: For now, check out our website at ourcollectivepower.com. A newsletter is coming soon, so stay tuned!
Thanks for reading the Leader Spotlight segment of the Wild Gift Blog! If you are a Wild Gift Alumni and want to be featured, please email jacinta@wildgift.org.