I’m Natalie Kasera, an executive assistant at Athena and a science graduate whose childhood afternoons tending my grandfather’s goats and cows on our family farm first taught me that every animal, no matter how humble, deserves compassionate care. At the Kenya Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, I spent weekends suturing wounds on stray dogs and leading youth workshops, realizing that healing often begins with small, everyday acts of kindness. That same spirit guided me to WildNow Foundation, where I spearheaded the Pandamiti Initiative, mobilizing and leading a cross‐functional team of 15 volunteers to plant over 250,000 native trees across five Kenyan counties, laying the groundwork toward the 1 million‑tree national goal. Now, alongside my role at Athena, I’m deepening my impact by studying project planning for wildlife conservation. I’m weaving together clinical rigor, community trust, and strategic tools (GANTT charts, stakeholder mapping, logical frameworks) to build initiatives that safeguard Kenya’s biodiversity and strengthen human–wildlife coexistence. Whether it’s partnering with rangers to deliver emergency wildlife care or co‑creating disease‑prevention workshops in Samburu, my journey is about translating passion into projects that endure. I’m excited to be part of this WildHub community and these courses, and I look forward to connecting with others who share a deep commitment to safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity.

I am a passionate communicator and researcher with an extensive background in the environmental humanities and social sciences, dedicated to exploring and fostering connections between people and nature. Based between Sweden and the UK, I work in academia as a researcher and lecturer, teaching courses in environmental law, historical ecology, and disaster risk management. I actively contribute to non-profit organisations promoting conservation and animal welfare. I work with Faunalytics, translating complex research into accessible insights for evidence-based advocacy; write feature articles for Ubuntu Magazine spotlighting conservation initiatives; and serve as Community Advocates Coordinator at WildHub, driving strategic communications and leading initiatives that connect and empower conservation practitioners worldwide. When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking forest trails with my dog or enjoying a good cup of coffee.

An explorer and an aspirant biodiversity conservation researcher. I seek to delve deeper into the study of the human-nature nexus and strive to foster more harmonious coexistence. I have gained brief experience in wildlife conservation at the Creative Conservation Alliance, working with Western Hoolock Gibbons and a few other wild animals. I am also working as an Associate Trainer at Mekateam, a game-based pedagogy where I provide training on basic climate literacy and biodiversity conservation to youth. Moreover, I synthesize and express my understanding of biodiversity and the natural world through my initiative, 'Toru.' Currently, I am undertaking research on Asian Elephants addressing the human-elephant conflict in Bangladesh.

Lex Plasmans