Katy Reiss is a nationally recognized science communicator, strategic storyteller, and award-winning public educator with over 15 years of experience making complex science impossible to ignore.

Her journey into environmental storytelling started long before she had a microphone—tracking bats in the Australian rainforest, analyzing zoo gorilla social behavior, and designing educational tours for curious kids and adults alike. With a foundation in zoo and wildlife biology, Katy’s early work combined hands-on conservation research with immersive public education, giving her a front-row seat to the power of story-driven science.

Since then, she has led communication strategy for large-scale public agencies, currently serving as Customer Engagement & Public Education Manager at Fort Worth Water, where she directs outreach campaigns for 1.4 million people. Her work has transformed how the utility engages with the public—launching behavior-change initiatives, managing water crisis communication during emergencies, and using data-driven insights to significantly increase digital engagement, proving that strategic storytelling doesn't just inform—it delivers results.

Outside the public sector, Katy is the co-host and producer of Wildly Curious, a globally ranked science and nature comedy podcast that blends education and humor to make scientific topics relatable and wildly engaging. Heard in over 106 countries, the podcast reflects her passion for curiosity-fueled learning and inclusive communication.

Katy is also a keynote speaker and thought leader in the environmental education community, known for her RAISE framework, which helps leaders and educators reframe challenges to unlock potential. She thrives at the intersection of science, strategy, and storytelling—whether mentoring new communicators, collaborating with scientists, or helping institutions clarify their message.

Her core belief? Science is only as powerful as its ability to be understood. And she’s here to make it stick.