Thirza Loffeld (She/Her)

WildHub Founder, WildHub Conservation Community
Tuğçe Hocaoğlu

Environmental Engineer, Marmara University

As an environmental engineer, I think that we must understand all the costs to the environment and to society of the products we consume. 
Brighton Chilekeni

CEO/Founder , tech4wild, Lumezi Safaris & Tours, Chile Farms and Tina Villa Park

Brighton Chilekeni: A Distinguished and Relentless African (Zambian) Leader Brighton Chilekeni’s career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving Africa’s natural heritage while pioneering sustainable business ventures. A well-trained military professional, he has forged a formidable reputation at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, technological innovation, and strategic tourism, with a proven operational footprint across multiple African nations. A Pan-African Journey Forged in Passion, Vision, and Discipline His distinguished career spans the iconic landscapes of Africa, having designed and executed critical conservation programs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This extensive field experience is underpinned by a background as a well-trained military professional, blending frontline pragmatism with academic rigor and strategic discipline. This unique journey—which includes being recognized as the youngest conservation professional to receive acclaim in Kenya—has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective. He now applies this insight to a landmark climate initiative while leading multiple visionary ventures. 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. · Climate Finance Leadership: A key leader in one of the world’s most ambitious carbon conservation projects—the first-ever REDD+ project in Zambia, the largest in Africa by hectarage, and the third-largest globally. · Wildlife Law Enforcement & Security Advisor: A trusted expert advisor in wildlife law enforcement, providing strategic guidance on anti-poaching operations, counter-trafficking initiatives, and the integration of technology into field security protocols. · Tourism & Hospitality Visionary: Owner and Founder of Lumezi Safaris and Tours, a premier agency led by Brighton himself as an expert tour guide. It specializes in curated travel experiences, expert tourism advice, and strategic consulting for visitors seeking to explore the heart of Africa. · Agricultural & Game Ranching Innovator: Founder of Chile Farms, an ambitious agricultural project with a clear vision to become a leading game ranch and a benchmark for sustainable farming and wildlife management. · Real Estate Developer: Founder of Tina Villa Park, a dynamic real estate venture offering high-quality flats and houses for rent and sale, creating modern, comfortable living spaces and fostering community development A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, deep technical proficiency, and military-grade discipline. 🚀 Visionary Leadership & Strategic Advisory · Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he actively drives innovation, identifies technological gaps, and creates solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency. · Large-Scale Carbon Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex operations for a record-setting, continent-leading REDD+ project, driving significant climate finance and community benefits. · Strategic Security & Law Enforcement: Leveraging his military training, he provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology and tactical protocols into law enforcement operations for maximum impact and personnel safety. · Pan-African Operational Expertise: Possesses a deep, practical understanding of conservation dynamics and stakeholder engagement across diverse ecosystems in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. 🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Field Mastery · 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. · Conservation Fire Management Expert: Skilled in the strategic use and control of fire as a ecological management tool to maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent destructive wildfires, and enhance habitat for wildlife. 🌍 Strategic Field Operations, Tourism & Impact · Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Trafficking Prevention: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced, intelligence-led law enforcement operations that are proactive and highly effective, with specialized expertise in disrupting wildlife trafficking networks. · Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring. · Elite Tourism & Guided Experiences: Through Lumezi Safaris and Tours, Brighton leverages his extensive continental network and profound ecological knowledge as an expert guide to provide unparalleled travel experiences. He offers expert consulting and curates journeys that showcase Africa's breathtaking beauty, promote eco-tourism, and support local economies. · Game Ranching Expertise: Applies deep knowledge of sustainable wildlife management and breeding practices at Chile Farms, contributing to conservation, economic diversification, and ecological balance. In Summary: The Architect of a Sustainable, Tech-Enabled Future Brighton Chilekeni is a comprehensive architect of the future for conservation, tourism, and sustainable business in Africa. He operates at a unique and powerful intersection: · As a CEO and Founder, he is building the tools (Tech4Wildlife), showcasing the beauty (Lumezi Safaris), developing communities (Tina Villa Park), and innovating in agriculture and game management (Chile Farms). · As a Climate Leader, he is at the helm of a groundbreaking African carbon project, channeling international finance into vital conservation and community development. · As a Strategic Advisor and Expert, his military background, early recognition, and pan-African experience instills a culture of discipline, resilience, and strategic execution. His specialized command in wildlife law enforcement, anti-trafficking, guided tourism, game ranching, and fire management makes him a uniquely versatile asset. Brighton Chilekeni is not just participating in Africa's progress; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change across the continent.
Vimbainashe Eunick

Conservationist, Conservation education practitioner , WildEd Zim

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.