Welcoming Kavi Chokshi to LandWatch
Kavi Chokshi joined LandWatch in March as our new Membership and Engagement Coordinator. Welcome, Kavi!
Having grown up in four countries, Kavi brings an international lived experience to LandWatch. With a degree in Marketing from the University of Delaware and studies in Entrepreneurship at Lund University in Sweden, Kavi is driven by the opportunity to make a positive difference.
His previous work experience ranges from founding a tech start-up, leading UX design at a financial services start-up, advocating for customers at a pet insurance company, and channeling the selfless energy of volunteers on two political campaigns right here in Central Oregon.
His passion is centered around climate action, sustainability, and mindful living, and currently serves on the City of Bend’s Environment and Climate Committee and Oregon League of Conservation Voters Deschutes Leadership Committee. Kavi enjoys hiking with his dog, Snowy; attempting yoga; has recently gotten into running; prefers bouldering inside; beers outside; and feels like the only person in Bend not into winter sports (yet).
Get to know Kavi
What is an interesting fact about you?
I grew up in four countries: Bahrain, Ghana, India, and moved to the United States (specifically, Delaware) when I was 12.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I completed a Vipassana course in 2013. Vipassana is a 10-day intensive meditation retreat, where you take a vow of Noble Silence (so no talking, but also no gestures or eye contact) and spend ten hours a day in group meditation. Suffice it to say I have a deep appreciation for meditation and mindfulness since!
What did you do before LandWatch?
I worked as the Organizing Director for Jason Kropf's campaign for House District 54 here in Bend. So glad to have him as our representative!
What are some of your favorite books?
I'm a HUGE Harry Potter fan. Like started-my-own-MSN-Group-and-website-in-high-school big. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series are some of the funniest books I’ve read. I’m actually not a voracious reader, but it’s something I’m looking forward to engaging in more this year.
What is your favorite TV show or movie?
To add some of my diverse background to these answers, though I don't watch Hindi movies as regularly, Aamir Khan movies are some of my favorites. If you're interested in checking one out, many of them are available on Netflix (just search his name). "3 Idiots"' is a good hilarious one to start with, but it’s moved to Amazon Prime now.
What is your favorite part about living in Central Oregon?
Access to outdoors. Blue skies and breathtaking views. Quality of life. "Smaller-town community feel.” Great beer. Roundabouts. You know, the same things everyone else says.
What is one of your hobbies?
One of my new hobbies is hiking Pilot Butte every morning! I started doing this at the end of January and I'm excited to keep it going the rest of the year (and who knows, maybe even beyond?). It's been a wonderful way to start the day. If you're interested, there's always a standing invite. You’ll find me there, starting around 5am on weekdays, and a way more laidback 7-10am on weekends.
I’m also newly into indoor plants and may be going a tad overboard with them.
What are you most excited about in your position at LandWatch?
I am most excited at the opportunity to connect with and work with the amazing members and supporters that make all of LandWatch's incredible work possible. I am looking forward to getting to know many of you better. Whether you're already a supporter or are looking to be more engaged, I'd love to hear from you: kavi@colw.org
What is your favorite place in the "outdoors" around Central Oregon?
Hmm, this is a tough one because there's so many, and I feel like I've only seen a fraction so far! I'd narrow it down to: Smith Rock, because it's just such a magical place; this little spot my friends and I go to on the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail along Sparks Lake; Drake Park also holds a special place in my heart because I lived right around there for a while; Blue Pool is gorgeous; and the Badlands are really unique as well. Does 5 count?
I would actually love to hear about your favorite spots (if you’re willing to share)! What’s a place that I just have to visit? Email me at kavi@colw.org