"Change can happen,” says Kim Leval, executive director of Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP).  “You have to be persistent, you have to be tenacious, and you can never stop.”  She has seen first-hand how building relationships over the long-term can lead to major wins for the environment. 

Previously, at the Center for Rural Affairs, Kim participated in a meeting convened by ICL to bring together a national group of crop, soil and agronomy scientists to meet with the sustainable agriculture community. The scientific associations had faced growing influence from corporate perspectives, with strong actors such as Monsanto and Cargill.  “By bringing the scientists together with the sustainable agriculture community, ICL created and strengthened an important democratic counter-balance to the voice of corporations,” says Kim.   The dialogue sparked a whole new line of research and inquiry.  “Ten years ago, most USDA research was focused on what kind of pesticide killed what kind of bug,” recalls Kim.  “By bringing organic farmers into the dialogue and seeking alternatives, it made a big difference. Now, there is a national organic research program at USDA.”

Fast forward to Kim’s work today, and she is continuing her advocacy for alternatives to pesticides in the top leadership role at NCAP.  Attending ICL’s Executive Director Leadership Program was her board’s idea to ensure a smooth transition after the retirement of a 24-year long leader.  Being able to reach out to other directors in the network, ask for advice, and gain insights from the ongoing coaching were invaluable to her in her first year at the helm.  That year happened to be when the economic crisis hit.  Her ICL coach helped her understand that the board would be looking to her for leadership.  “ICL’s approach helped me strengthen my confidence and remember to trust my best instincts,” said Kim. 

“ICL makes leaders more effective. That translates into more change for the environment.”