Niki Mazaroli

Niki Mazaroli has a diverse work experience spanning various organizations. In 2023, they are currently the Director of Sustainability & Community Engagement at Open Water. Prior to this role, they owned and led research at Strategy Research Science since 2017. In 2020, they worked as a Lecturer in the Environmental Studies Program at UC Santa Barbara, teaching a course on climate change solutions. From 2016 to 2016, Niki was the 2016 Volunteer Chair of San Diego Food Funders at San Diego Grantmakers, facilitating group learning opportunities and leading monthly meetings. Niki also had a role as a Senior Strategist, Research & Special Projects at Leichtag Foundation from 2014 to 2016, where they conducted research and oversaw strategy development for land-based projects. Niki's earlier experiences include roles as a Research Fellow at The Center for Civic Engagement at The San Diego Foundation, a Sustainable Agriculture Education and Land Use Contractor at Happy Valley Foundation, a Land Bank Coordinator at International Rescue Committee, and a Teaching Assistant at UC Santa Barbara. Niki also served as an Advanced Study Intern at Permanent Agriculture Resources, focusing on tropical agroforestry and permaculture.

Niki Mazaroli completed their Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami between 2005 and 2009. They majored in Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, as well as Geological Sciences during this time. In addition, Niki attended the School for International Training between 2007 and 2008, where they studied Comparative Ecology & Conservation and Spanish. Later, from 2010 to 2012, Niki pursued a Masters of Environmental Science & Management degree at UC Santa Barbara, specifically at The Bren School of Environmental Science & Management.