Our Story
Blue Elements is a women-led, grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Colorado’s watersheds. Based in Leadville, Colorado, we are deeply connected to our local water issues and have a strong history of successfully engaging community members and volunteers in river restoration and education programs. We also focus on developing the next generation of water leaders through workforce training opportunities that embrace diversity and inclusion.
As a headwater state positioned on the Continental Divide, Colorado plays a vital role in the stewardship of water resources. At Blue Elements, we believe that it is our responsibility to manage and protect our water for future generations.
The Blue Elements Collective offers a fresh approach to community engagement in watershed stewardship. We believe that:
Healthy communities and ecosystems rely on EQUITABLE and SUSTAINABLE access to clean water resources.
Water quality information must be CURRENT and ACCESSIBLE to everyone.
DIVERSE individuals who REFLECT the communities they serve, should have access to professional training and opportunities in the water sector.
We are committed to creating a sustainable future for Colorado’s water resources and the communities that rely on them.
Where We Operate
Blue Elements Collective has parters and projects all over Colorado.
Check out the map below to see where we’re working!
Board of Directors
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Kate Kaufman
Board President
Kate is a Leadville local who serves her community as a youth advocate. Her Spanish fluency helps to connect Spanish speaking families to community resources that improve youth success within the Lake County School District.
As a Colorado native and river guide, Kate is passionate about her home river: the Arkansas.
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Kali Marcum
Board Secretary
Kali grew up in Lake County is is raising her family in Leadville. She is integrated into the community as a certified Yoga Instructor, Wellness Coordinator & Entrepreneur, and Community Development Specialist.
Kali is inspired to contribute her voice to the support of the upper Arkansas River watershed.
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Gabriella Emerick
Board Treasurer
Gabriella, currently teaches Spanish and English at the non-profit, outdoor leadership high school called Alzar School, based in Cascade, Idaho. As an ACA certified kayak instructor, educator in the classroom and on the river, Gabriella has dedicated her life to raising awareness to the precious resource of fresh water river systems. Having started her career as a river guide on the Arkansas River, it is a place wherein she feels at home.
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Kara Spaulding
Board Member
Kara’s career as a river guide and business manager lends her the expertise of recreation management, hospitality, and logistics. She has worked as a river operations manager for several outfitters across the country. Having called the Arkansas Valley home for almost 10 years, Kara is eager to use her wisdom in the preservation of the watershed.
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Kayla Doan
Board Member
Kayla is a tech industry veteran, where her work has included leading innovation at a public tech company and digital experiences for large brands.
Kayla's advocacy for clean water began when she launched a beverage company and encountered substantial challenges and lack of regulatory standards in sourcing clean, filtered water for her products.
In addition to contributing time with Blue Elements, she gives back to the community as a Business Consultant with the Central Mountain Small Business Development Center.