Climate & Energy Director
Samantha Kao, Sammi joined CVNM as the Climate and Energy Advocate in January 2021. As a lifelong environmentalist, Sammi is eager to bring her commitment to climate change mitigation to CVNM, where her role is to develop and implement policies, with the help of our partners and legislators, to further New Mexico’s renewable energy initiatives.
Sammi grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2015 with B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Biology. In May 2019, she graduated with her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law, also receiving a certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Law.
Before Sammi joined CVNM, she was the Voter Protection Director with the Democratic Party of New Mexico for the 2020 General Election. She also worked as Commissioner Cynthia Hall’s Field Director for her re-election campaign in the June 2020 Primary Election. While in law school, Sammi also competed in the Jeffrey G Miller National Environmental Moot Court competition at Pace University.
Sammi is an avid traveler. Her goal is to visit every country by the time she turns 40. Her passion for experiencing new cultures and life outside of her comfort zone inspires her to travel as far and as often as she can. Her favorite travel destination is Madrid, Spain. Sammi also loves cooking, taking care of her houseplants, and spending time with her dog Bailey.