Teresa Romero

With decades of experience in Tribal environmental leadership, cultural stewardship, and community advocacy, Teresa brings a deep understanding of Chumash values, governance, and collaboration—making her uniquely qualified to serve as a Member-at-Large on the Coastal Band Tribal Board.

Teresa is one of four Indigenous women who co-founded the Native Coast Action Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting West Coast Indigenous communities in building capacity and implementing cultural and traditional ecological initiatives.

Teresa formerly served as the Environmental Director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, where she championed environmental stewardship grounded in Indigenous values. Her career spans work in Tribal communities, mental health advocacy, and the non-profit arts sector, reflecting a dedication to holistic and community-centered approaches. Teresa is recognized for her ability to build meaningful partnerships and collaborations across diverse communities. She is a proud member of the Syuxtun Plant Collective, a traditional plant group focused on tending, gathering, and preparing Indigenous plants in culturally significant ways.

Teresa currently serves on several local and regional boards, including the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, the Wilderness Youth Project, the Central Coast Joint Venture, and the Executive Committee for the Central Coast Climate Justice Network.