Kelsey Calvez Named to URISA Young Professionals Post
Congratulations to Kelsey Calvez, an environmental/coastal scientist and GIS analyst in Austin, on her selection for a 2023-25 term on the URISA Vanguard Cabinet, a professional advisory group aimed at engaging young geographic information system practitioners.
The cabinet is an initiative of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA), a multidisciplinary geospatial organization that provides leadership, education and training for GIS professionals. The Vanguard Cabinet will work with URISA’s Board of Directors and committees to develop programs, policies and networking opportunities for young professionals. Members are selected through an application process, with interviews by the URISA Leadership Development Committee. Kelsey attended URISA’s GISPro Conference in Boise, Idaho, in October representing the Vanguard Cabinet.
This appointment adds to Freese and Nichols GIS specialists’ long involvement in URISA, including in state and local leadership roles.
During her seven years in the industry, Kelsey already has shown leadership in the GIS field. She participates on Texas A&M University’s College of Geosciences Advisory Council for Undergraduate Studies, working closely with undergraduate students and reviewing and grading their final Capstone projects. She also serves as a mentor through the PROGRESS Mentorship Program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation and aims to increase diversity in the geosciences by supporting undergraduate women enrolled in Texas colleges. Through these opportunities, she shares her experiences as a young professional to help students prepare for their careers.
She also is pursuing a master’s degree in GIS from Pennsylvania State University with a focus on programming and web application development.