Refugium is led by Dr. Kellum Tate-Jones, PhD (she/her/hers). Her doctorate in Earth Sciences provided her with personal insight into the culture of a range of natural science workplaces, including the academy, museums, industry, and government agencies. Additionally, Kellum has over seven years of experience developing and implementing programs designed to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility (DEIBA) within academic settings and the geosciences. She holds a certificate in community storytelling facilitation and has  extensive training in bystander intervention, equitable curriculum development, and inclusive community cultivation. 

Outside of work, Kellum loves birding, rockhounding, reading speculative fiction, cross country skiing, and dabbling in a wide range of visual and fiber arts.