School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability

School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5424 USA
(269) 387-2716

Kala Willette

Kala Willette (Kala)
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Part-time Instructor
Office: (269) 387-2773
Location:
2114 Wood Hall, Mail Stop 5424
Mailing address:
School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5424 USA
Kala Willette
Office hours:
By appointment only
Education:
  • MA, Comparative Religion, Western Michigan University
Certification:
  • Graduate Certificate, Spirituality, Culture & Health, Western Michigan University
Teaching Interests:
  • Global and International Studies
  • Sacred Space and Places
  • Ecological Restoration Efforts in Indigenous Communities
Research Interests:
  • Intersectionality of Indigenous and Environmental Justice
  • Restorative Ecology
  • Anthropogenic Impacts on Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems
Creative Interests:
  • Poetry and Writing
  • Illustration
  • Music
Bio:

Kala Willette has been an instructor for the Global and International Studies program since 2021. She received her MA in Comparative Religion where she explored sacred architecture, space, and place; contemporary yoga鈥檚 connections to both Eastern and Western alchemy; and indigenous identity, health and wellness in the era of neocolonialism. Currently, she鈥檚 primarily focused on ecological restoration and climate change effects mitigation. She volunteers with Adapt: Community-Supported Ecology (https://adaptecology.org/kalamazoo-michigan/), helping to install native plant gardens for home and small-business owners in the Kalamazoo area. She also holds an undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University in French language and linguistics. She lived in Ireland for study abroad and northern Ethiopia while volunteering with Peace Corps in the environment sector. She is a certified yoga instructor who loves to be outdoors, travel and explore new places.