An environmental scientist and lawyer by training, Maya Velis is a a big-picture thinker who remains grounded in technical details.

Maya Velis is an independent consultant and a panelist on the Water Security Task Force of the International Water Resources Association. She specializes in the governance of climate change mitigation and adaptation, including finance issues.

Before relocating to Houston, TX, Maya Velis worked for the national Government of the Netherlands for years. With increasing responsibilities, she advised on e.g. asset management, international knowledge development, and climate mainstreaming and carbon tracking of public expenditures.

Previously, Ms Velis was affiliated with the Dutch Consulate-General in Chicago, IL; a UNESCO Category 2 Centre (International Groundwater Resources Assessment Center); and renowned think tanks on international relations and development (Clingendael Institute and Stockholm International Water Institute). In 2018, Ms Velis was a on a special assignment on behalf of UNESCO-IHP at the 23rd gathering of the Conference of Parties under the umbrella of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Maya Velis holds a Law Degree from the University of Leiden and a Master’s of Environmental Science from Utrecht University. She is currently pursuing a Frankfurt School & UNEP Certificate in Climate and Renewable Energy Finance.

“I am dedicated to solving societal and corporate problems of today and tomorrow. I cut through the noise, break down complex problems into manageable chunks, and prioritize these accordingly. My analysis method varies according to the issue at hand and usually involves working across disciplines. Involving key stakeholders throughout the process is key to ensure lasting impact.”