To our partners, funders, and community, 

It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I reach out to share devastating news. Our beloved colleague Keree' Blanks, who has been such an integral part of The Water Collaborative team, has passed away. Keree was our dedicated and beloved Engagement and Partnership Manager. He was 26 years old and leaves behind a beautiful grandmother, mother, and three siblings who are now trying to navigate the passing of their beloved son and brother. He was more than just the leader of his family; he was the love, compassion, and compass for his family, and they’ll carry this loss forever.  

And like his family, Keree was the same to us. To our team, he was always a helping hand, a jokester who made you laugh, the critical thinker who always asked the right questions. He was the gentleman who held the door and changed your tire when you needed help. He was the guy who fixed your rain barrel and listened to your problems. He was the person on the team who remembered everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries, and allergies. He was the soil, keeping us grounded. As Executive Director, it was my job to keep him watered, and at every turn, I did my best to do so. Keree and I were incredibly close. He came to me as a shy intern who’d barely made eye contact, but I saw the fire in him. He wanted to make the world a better place; he just needed a jumping-off point and an anchor. He loved his job! Even in his last days, when he should’ve been resting, he was plotting his next move. Always thinking of the people he loved, until his last breath. 

As our team processes his loss, I am struck by so many moments when he was there for us. Keree was always in the front seat with me, making sure all the passengers were safe and sound. He truly was our protector, our guardian angel. Even though he’s not with us today on earth, I know he’s still with us in spirit. He has given us some of the most beautiful memories. He was a superfan of Drake, but still loved to entertain a good Drake vs. Kendrick conversation. He loved to cook, but sadly, he’ll never get a chance to perfect that duck recipe. He wanted to travel the world, and especially wanted to visit Africa. More than anything, he told me he wanted to become an Executive Director like me and many others. Even though he was never able to hold the title of director, he absolutely made the world a better place; title or not, he was a leader. 

If you had the honor of knowing Keree, you know he was a sweet and loving soul. I’d argue too good for this place, but also a beacon of hope and a reminder of what people should be like. He was a model for all people; overflowing with empathy, integrity, selflessness, and compassion. I always told him he was an angel because no matter the circumstances, he always did the right thing, even if it didn’t serve him or do him any favors. If you met, worked, learned, or even shared a short moment with him, you know this. And for those who didn’t get that opportunity, I am so sorry. It’s not often enough that people like Keree grace us with their presence. Yet still, I hope you feel the power of the presence he leaves behind and feel inspired. 

As we grieve Keree’s passing, please keep us in your prayers. We ask for grace and patience as we navigate this challenging moment. Overnight, we lost a core team member, and we will need the time to reflect, heal, and assess. The family requests a private gathering for him at this time, but on his Birthday, April 19th, we’ll do a public ceremony. More information to come as details become available. We’ll also create a video for his family for his birthday, and would appreciate anything you can share:

• Photos, videos, and stories 

• Ideas for memorializing him

• Items for his Birthday memorial on April 19th. 

Please email any of the above to cierra@nolawater.org.