Annie Kate Walsh graduated from James Madison University in spring of 2025 where she majored in Anthropology with a minor in Environmental Humanities. She also worked in the JMU Gender and Science Ethnography lab studying the ways that science, technology, and gender intersect in the FemTech industry. Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, Annie Kate sees environmental and conservation work—both in our region and around the world—as the defining challenge of her generation. During her time with the Alliance, Annie Kate will develop and lead community engagement work.

Annie Kate is our very first (of what we hope will be many more) Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellow! Years in the making, this new fellowship program—created in partnership with local conservation groups and area colleges and universities—aims to inspire and support the next generation of conservationists in the Shenandoah Valley.