Thirza Loffeld (She/Her)

WildHub Founder, WildHub Conservation Community
Ademola Adenle

scholar, Federal University of Technology, Minna

sarah jane chimbwandira

CEO, Surrey Wildlife Trust

I have been privileged to dedicate over 26 years to Surrey Wildlife Trust, becoming Chief Executive in February 2019. My leadership is rooted in forging impact-driven partnerships and delivering innovative, meaningful projects that connect communities, landscapes, and policy. A co-author of the Natural Capital Investment Plan for Surrey, I continue to shape the future of conservation through strategic roles, including Chair of Nature South East and Trustee of The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. I am a Fellow of Royal Holloway, University of London. My previous board-level contributions span the Surrey Hills Society, Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, and the Ecosystems Knowledge Network, where I served as Chair. I lead the Trust’s ambitious ‘Restoring Surrey’s Nature’ strategy, aiming to create a thriving, connected living landscape across the county—from hedgerows and rivers to nature reserves and green corridors. I am particularly passionate about the emerging interface between nature and technology, exemplified by the award of a £1.5M Space4Nature partnership project in collaboration with the University of Surrey, Buglife, and Painshill Park Trust. With a forward-thinking approach to nature finance, I am actively developing investment markets that support ecological recovery. Under my leadership, the Trust recently secured £1.3M in Biodiversity Net Gain transactions—helping to turn natural capital into lasting impact.
Megan Abigail White

Journalist and copywriter specialising in conservation and sustainable tourism, meganabigail@gmail.com

I'm a word-loving, creative, analytical soul living in Durban, South Africa. Integrity, kindness, and excellence are my bywords. Let's treat each other, animals, and the environment well. And let's put some good into the world! Down to some brass tacks ... I'm a conceptual copywriter, journalist, researcher, content strategist, content creator, and editor. I work primarily within the travel, hospitality, and conservation industries. I'm especially passionate about responsible, adventure, wellness, and luxury travel, sustainable and inclusive architecture and interior design, and conservation and rewilding. I also love diving into the history of people and places to help us understand the present. I'm an independent thinker, proactive and efficient in my work, and I bring an enthusiastic, imaginative mindset to all that I do. I care greatly about honesty, transparency, and fair play, and like to work with people and brands who care about these things too. Keen to connect? Please drop me a message! It's always nice to meet new people.
Alexandra Sabo

Program Manager, Institute for Integrative Conservation, William & Mary

HOUESSOU Makponsè Gédéon

Stagiaire à ODDB ONG , ODDB ONG

Je suis HOUESSOU Makponsè Gédéon, géographe-cartographe passionné par la protection de l’environnement et la gestion durable des territoires. Titulaire d’une licence en Géomatique appliquée au territoire, j’ai acquis de solides compétences en SIG, télédétection, cartographie participative et évaluation environnementale et sociale. À travers mes collaborations avec diverses ONG, cabinets et institutions, j’ai participé à des projets de conservation de la biodiversité, d’aménagement du territoire, de suivi écologique et d’études d’impact. Rigoureux, dynamique et polyvalent, je mets mes compétences techniques et analytiques au service de solutions durables et adaptées aux réalités locales.
Eliud Masereka

Executive Director, Mother of Hope Foundation Uganda

He/Him is the Co-founder and Executive Director at Mother of Hope Foundation Uganda with passion in community development and a well-rounded individual with a Computer Science background from Gulu University, complemented by a rich tapestry of experiences in IT and system administration. His career spans over six years, during which he has developed technical expertise across diverse sectors, including healthcare, refugee management, and conservation. Eliud's ability to seamlessly blend his technical skills with practical field applications, especially in wildlife conservation technology, makes him a versatile professional. His strong communication skills, integrity, and collaborative mindset further enhances his capacity to excel in dynamic environments.
Maipelo Konopo

Environmentalist , Karunya Consulting

I am an environmental professional with a strong background in community engagement, stakeholder coordination, and environmental project management. With extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing project timelines, I have successfully delivered environmental and social compliance initiatives across Botswana, including serving as the Environmental Control Officer for the Mohembo Okavango Bridge construction from 2018 to 2022. My involvement close collaboration with government authorities, sub-contractors, and diverse community groups, particularly in sensitive ecosystems such as the Okavango Delta, where I contributed to safeguarding the World Heritage and RAMSAR Site standards through rigorous monitoring, reporting, and mitigation planning. Currently operating as an independent environmental consultant, I combine my specialist expertise in environmental management with broad knowledge across several thematic areas working with technical specialists, stakeholder engagement, and project management. I hold a BSc in Zoology and Environmental Science from the University of Arkansas, a Postgraduate Diploma in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh, and additional training in Social Impact Assessment, Project Management, and GIS.
Michelle Carter

Strategic Data Analyst, Alinea Network Organization

My career journey began working closely with US government agencies and law enforcement on some really crucial challenges, including the fight against human trafficking and terrorism. The common thread in all that work was the vital role of smart analysis and data. About eight years ago, I had the chance to bring that analytical mindset to conservation. I was invited to Zambia to help a brand-new organization get started by training their team on the importance of data collection and using link analysis to spot historical trends and patterns that could help predict what might happen next. That initial trip changed everything! I eventually relocated to Zambia and now work full-time with the organization's analytics and legal team. I've joined WildHub because I truly believe in the power of shared knowledge. It's essential to keep learning about the challenges we all face in conservation—after all, we share the same ultimate goal. By understanding the full picture, we can all make sure we're taking the most accurate and effective steps toward solutions.
Kenasa Zemede

Student, Addis Ababa University

Sophie Loca

Conservation Scientist & GIS Specialist, Fjordstrong

As a Spatial Ecologist, I use data-driven approaches to support marine conservation and sustainable development. I work at the intersection of advanced statistics, GIS, and programming to make sense of complex, often messy data—translating it into clear, practical outputs that can inform both industry practices and conservation policy. What drives me most is using science to create meaningful impact. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to build strong collaborations across Europe, and I truly value the role of shared knowledge in driving change. My work has ranged from peer-reviewed research and cross-border projects to grey literature and public science communication.
Mark Andrachuk

Conservation Social Science Consultant, ReConnect Consulting

Lubna A

Communications Consultant, Self-employed

Owen O'Shea

Principal Research Scientist, Centre for Ocean Research and Education Foundation

I am a marine conservation scientist with nearly two decades of international experience in shark and ray ecology, coral reef resilience, and community-based conservation. My work integrates applied research, education and outreach across Caribbean Island communities, where I have dedicated my career to empowering young people as active stewards of their marine environments. I hold a BSc with First Class Honours in Marine Biology from James Cook University and a PhD in Tropical Marine Ecology from Murdoch University. Over my career, I have built lasting partnerships with governments, NGOs, and universities worldwide, leading graduate-driven research through a distinctly local lens while advancing equitable education in marginalized and under resourced island communities. In 2017, I founded the Centre for Ocean Research and Education (CORE), a nonprofit dedicated to bridging innovative research with grassroots education. CORE advocates for culturally rooted, community-driven conservation while creating opportunities for students to amplify their voices and invest in future leaders. I have lived and worked in The Bahamas for over 13 years with a mission to work with communities, in communities, and for communities, building enduring impact for both people and the ocean.
Heather Morrison

Rainforest volunteer development coordinator , Argyll Countryside Trust

KASHOBOROZI JAMES

Founder and Executive Director , Geospatial Research Forum (GRF)

I’m the Executive Director of the Geospatial Research Forum (GRF) in Uganda and a Master’s student in Natural Resource Management. My work focuses on applying geospatial technologies, ecosystem restoration, and agroecology to strengthen biodiversity conservation and climate resilience while empowering local communities.
I am a soon to be graduate with a degree in Biology. I am committed to the conservation of wildlife and the protection of the environment. With a strong curiosity about how natural systems function and interconnect, I bring both passion and dedication to my work. My career goal is to contribute to wildlife research and conservation efforts, where I can combine my enthusiasm for the natural world with strong work ethic and problem-solving skills. I have done an internship at ZooTampa and enjoy working with animals. I hope to be able to work at a national park one day.
Abigail Gepner

Graphic Designer / Communications Professional, Freelance

I’m a designer, communications professional and storyteller passionate about using creativity to inspire meaningful connection with the natural world. With 5+ years of interdisciplinary design experience, I bring ideas to life across mediums—from exhibit panels and interpretive graphics to websites, campaigns, and digital storytelling. My approach is concept-first and strategy-driven: every project starts with why, ensuring design is both meaningful and impactful. I’ve partnered with mission-driven organizations like the ASPCA, cultural institutions like the Museum of the Earth, and brands like Converse, leading projects that span digital, print, and experiential touchpoints. I’ve launched campaigns, animated social motion graphics, edited copy, lead workshops, built responsive websites, and designed everything from annual reports to environmental graphics – all while keeping teams aligned and deadlines on track. Before moving into design full-time, I was in the field: running outdoor education programs, banding saw-whet owls, checking deer track transects at dawn, and pit-tagging salamanders. Those experiences taught me the value of curiosity, patience, and translating complex environmental ideas into experiences people can actually connect with. That same rigor and care now guide every project I take on. I blend digital precision through UI/UX, design systems, motion—with environmental storytelling, exhibit graphics, interpretive panels—to spark wonder, encourage stewardship, and leave lasting impressions. Storytelling has always been my guide, whether leading a kid through the rhythms of a forest or helping an organization share its values with the world. If you’re passionate about using design to make people care—about ideas, nature, or your mission, I’d love to connect. Let’s make something meaningful together.
Ryan Finchum

Director, Center for Protected Area Management, Colorado State University

Nathyle Elliott

Ecological Consultant in Training, Teal Elliott