Thirza Loffeld (She/Her)

WildHub Co-founder, WildHub Conservation Community
Brighton Chilekeni

CEO/Founder , Tech4wildlife

Brighton Chilekeni is a distinguished and relentless conservation leader, whose career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving the continent's natural heritage. Hailing from South Africa and now operating from Zambia, Brighton has forged a reputation as a formidable expert, now operating at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, and technological innovation. A Continental Journey Forged in Passion & Vision His international career began in the iconic landscapes of Kenya in 2018, where his passion for wildlife was ignited. He then honed his expertise through advanced conservation studies in Botswana. This unique journey has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective, which he now applies to one of the world's most ambitious forest conservation programs while also leading his own visionary venture. Core Identity: The CEO, Leader & Advisor · Entrepreneurial Leadership: Founder & CEO of Tech4Wildlife, a pioneering project dedicated to revolutionizing conservation law enforcement through the adoption and mastery of advanced technology. · Corporate Leadership: Project Conservation Officer at BioCarbon Partners (BCP), managing the groundbreaking Luangwa Community Forest Program (LCFP). · Project Significance (LCFP): A landmark global project where Brighton leads conservation efforts for the:   · First REDD+ project in Zambia and Africa.   · Largest REDD+ project in Africa by area.   · Second-largest REDD+ project in the world. · Geographic Scope: Manages and coordinates complex conservation operations across a vast landscape spanning three provinces in Zambia: Eastern, Muchinga, and Central. A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and deep technical proficiency. 🚀 Visionary Leadership & Innovation · Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he is actively driving innovation, identifying technological gaps, and creating solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency. · Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer: The core mission of Tech4Wildlife is to "sharpen teams with knowledge," demonstrating a commitment to empowering entire organizations and ranger forces through training and technology adoption. · Large-Scale Program Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multi-province conservation efforts for a world-record-setting REDD+ project at BCP. · Strategic Law Enforcement Advising: Provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology into law enforcement protocols for maximum impact. 🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Data Intelligence · Technology Integration Specialist: Expert in the end-to-end deployment of conservation tech stacks, including SMART, EarthRanger, GIS, Cybertracker, and Garmin inReach. · Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverages spatial data and real-time analytics from platforms like EarthRanger and GIS to guide patrols, model threats, and allocate resources strategically. · Field Tool Proficiency: Mastery in configuring and using field tools like Cybertracker for data collection and Garmin inReach for team safety and coordination. 🌍 Strategic Field Operations & Impact · Anti-Poaching Strategy: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced law enforcement operations that are proactive, intelligence-led, and highly effective. · Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring. · Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Excels at building collaborative partnerships with communities, government, and traditional leadership across complex, multi-province areas. In Summary: The Architect of a Tech-Enabled Conservation Future Brighton Chilekeni has evolved from a frontline expert into an architect of the future of conservation. He operates at a unique intersection: · As a CEO, he is building the tools and knowledge base to arm conservationists against modern threats. · As a Project Leader, he is applying that same tech-first mindset to protect one of the world's most significant carbon and biodiversity sinks. · As an Advisor, he is shaping the very strategies that make conservation efforts smarter, safer, and more successful. His work demonstrates a powerful, three-part model: protect vast landscapes (BCP), empower local communities (LCFP), and revolutionize the tools of the trade (Tech4Wildlife). Brighton is not just participating in conservation; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change in the global conservation arena.
Vimbainashe Eunick

Conservationist, Conservation education practitioner , WildEdZim Consultancy

My name is VImbainashe Eunick Chitauro, a conservationist from Zimbabwe specializing in Conservation education. From a young age, I have been passionate about working with wildlife, and as I progressed in my career, I have come to understand the crucial link between wildlife and communities. My goal is to educate and equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to become future custodians of biodiversity, carrying forward the important work already being done. With over 4 years of experience in the conservation field, I have had the privilege of educating over 5000 children and community members on conservation matters. I am eager to connect with conservationists from around the world to make a significant impact together. I believe that through collaboration, we can make a difference in preserving our planet's wildlife and natural resources.
Emmanuel SAWADOGO

Burkina Faso W National Manager 2016-2022, Ministry of Environnement

Elizabeth Silleck La Rue, Esq.

CEO, Silleck Consulting Services LLC

I am a multihyphenate working across environmental conservation and equity spaces, serving clients with program and project design and assessment, policy advocacy, strategy, communications, and thought partnership. My firm primarily serves nonprofit and government entities, with select partnerships with mission-based for-profit companies. I bring my expertise in law, anthropology, policy, communications, and wellness to the work advancing equitable conservation.  I am also a passionate and avid SCUBA diver, coral restoration volunteer, and fundraiser aiming to advance equity in ocean conservation through local, hands-on, in-the-water work. I serve on the Advisory Board for 10% For the Ocean and volunteer regularly with the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program. For more information, please visit www.silleckconsultingservices.com.
Jézumèvo Ephrem AKPOLI

PhD student, Université d'Abomey-Calavi

I am currently a doctoral student in the LMI SHUNT International Mixed Laboratory program on the sustainability of the hunting system in the Dahomey Gap (Benin). This is part of the collaboration between the Research Institute for Development (IRD) and the Laboratory of Applied Ecology (LEA) of the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC). I am currently doing my research on the conservation of the habitats of this hunting system. I am a research assistant at the Applied Ecology Laboratory at the University of Abomey-Calavi. Thus, from 2022 to 2023, I was a facilitator in a project to restore sacred forests in South Benin.
Mbongiseni Isaac Zikhali

Lecturer , KZN CET COLLEGE

Muneeb Nazir

Prospective employee, Freshee

FONJI TANYA FOLEFAC

Associate Integrated Community Forest Management, Rainforest Alliance

Levi Chabuka

Climate Activist, Resilient-Gen

I am a Malawian,  a graduate from the University of Malawi, a passionate young climate activist, a founder and executive director of  a nascent environmental leadership organization, Resilient-Gen. I have  profound experience in community mobilization, community engagement not to mention resource mobilization. I love all things green!!
MuKasa Emmanuel

Executive Director , Herp Fauna Foundation

He is passionate in biodiversity and sustainable development, showcasing proficiencies in policy analysis, science-guided advocacy, and the advancement of community enterprises and infrastructure rooted in climate change adaptation and ecosystem approach.
MD MASHRAFI

Student, University of Chittagong

Sikela Namangolwa

Environmental Education Officer, Wildlife & Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia

Yannick Ndoinyo

Executive Director, Traditional Ecosystems Survival Tanzania (TEST)

Cynthia Kiptoo

Environmentalist, KeNHA

Leah Stanton Connell

Student, William & Mary

I am a student at William and Mary studying biology and data science, with experience in conservation research. Climate science is my passion, and I am currently conducting research related to African women in conservation, with the goal of identifying platforms that connect these leaders. I joined Wildhub to find contacts that would be willing to participate in this research, and to understand more about the platform.
Lauren Nash

Student, The College of William and Mary

I am a student at the College of William and Mary where I am majoring in Government and Environmental Science on the Pre-Law track. Currently I am completing research with the Institute for Integrative Conservation at my school. The project involves talking to different African women leaders in conservation to learn more about their experiences in the field and networking with other female leaders. I joined the platform partly to get in touch with African women who would be interested in offering their insight on their experiences.
Abdirisak Ibrahim

Programmes Coordinator, Species Saviour Initiative - SSI

Ibrahim is a passionate conservationist dedicated to protecting endangered species and their habitats. With a focus on the unique ecosystems of Somalia, he combines extensive field research with a deep understanding of local ecological practices. Holding a Master of Science in Forest and Nature Conservation from Wageningen University, along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development, Ibrahim blends academic knowledge with practical experience. For over a decade, he has worked in the non-profit biodiversity conservation sector, collaborating with international NGOs and UN agencies to drive impactful initiatives. His research includes in-depth analyses of frankincense harvesting regions in Somalia, where he has authored numerous papers on site management and conservation strategies. Ibrahim is committed to promoting sustainable practices that foster harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife, and he aspires to further his impact through a PhD in the near future.
Huy Hoang Quoc

Vice director, GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre

I am a zoologist. I graduated with a Master's degree from Hue University in 2014, majoring in Zoology. I have been working for GreenViet since 2014. My primary field of work is researching and conserving animals, including studies on species diversity, genetics, and conservation solutions. I believe that through research and conservation efforts, we can significantly contribute to the preservation and development of natural ecosystems. My mission extends beyond generating knowledge to effecting practical change and creating positive impacts within the community.
Stephen Ssemwaka

Environment and Biodiversity Specialist, Makerere University

I am a An environment and Biodiversity Specialist. I serve as a Board member at Pearls Biodiversity Organization(PBO), Biodiversity Lead at KasanaShare and currently working at African Union of Conservationists (AUC). I am pursing a MSc in Environment and Natural Resources, this adds to a BSc in Conservation Biology from Makerere University, Uganda, Certifications in Envivironmental and Social Framework, Red-List Ecosystem Assessments, Ecological Restoration, Plant Conservation, Scientific Research and Proposal writing, One Health Principles and Practices, Protected Areas Management in Africa, and many other professional training certificatations in the field of Leadership, Environment, conservation, Imapact Assessment, Climate change, among others. I have experience in Biodiversity assessment and Impact assessment, grants writing, planning and implementing conservation projects, organization leadership, incorporating climate change and conservation in development projects, among others. My research interests lie within Natural Resource Ecology, Environment and Social Governace, Climate Change and Climate Justice, One Health Approach, Human Environment Interactions, and Gender Inclusion