Families Association

Missy Waytena P 26 is an environmental activist, film producer, and public interest lawyer based in the San Francisco Bay area. Her legal work focuses on the newly emerging field of Rights of Nature. A polymath with master’s degrees in integral education as well as philosophy, cosmology and consciousness and a Ph.D. in philosophy and religion, Waytena’s research integrates ecological consciousness with learning, aiming to equip students with the tools to become effective change agents in a rapidly evolving world. Her advocacy work includes writing and producing the film the Future of Energy and producing the film Last Stand: Saving the Elwha River’s Legacy Forests, which was a key part of the successful campaign to halt logging along Washington’s Elwha River.

Waytena is a dynamic volunteer. She works to expand enforceable human and ecological rights by serving on the boards of various non-profits, including chairing the Earth Law Center. Parent to Cal Waytena BRDD 26, who is studying Sculpture at RISD and futurology and design and Brown University, Waytena is a member of the RISD Families Philanthropy Committee and 1877 Society Provost’s Circle along with her husband William Leo “Bill” Waytena Jr. P 26.

Members play a crucial role in building a supportive environment and answering questions for incoming first-year families.

Members support RISD’s fundraising efforts through planning and attending events, sharing the impact of the RISD Fund and thanking generous supporters.

Members assist in planning in-person and virtual events to increase participation among current, first-year, and alumni families.
 

Members support RISD’s international students and families by advising on programming, communications, and engagement. They help shape events and resources that build community, increase cultural visibility and strengthen support across the RISD network.