Marta Cruz Kelly, NPS Leader and Storyteller, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters · Oct 17, 2026 · 41:03

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Marta Cruz Kelly spent nearly 40 years as a steward of America's stories. A Senior Executive Service leader at the National Park Service, she held management roles in interpretation, information technology, and training, and she was the first person of color to lead interpretation and education agency-wide. She also spent years in nonprofits advancing natural and cultural resource education and preparing the next generation of leaders.

Today, as a certified mindfulness educator, she brings those threads together to teach responsible storytelling: telling the truth with care, humility, and accountability. She is the founder of Griots Sanctuary and the author of Truth Requires Practice: Becoming a Griot, coming in February 2027.

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