With degrees from Stanford University and the University of Georgia, Coenen is a classical-music composer. She also has served in leadership roles with many public-service organizations, including Naturaland Trust and the Oconee River Land Trust. Recently, working with the Athens Georgia Community Foundation, she launched a fund to promote clean-energy use. Coenen’s hope is that, with a better understanding of the climate crisis, citizens will work to ensure future generations, including her four grandchildren, will inherit a thriving planet.