Emily Duwan is the Program Officer for the Marine Conservation Action Fund at the New England Aquarium (NEAq) where she provides operational, strategic and communications support to deliver on MCAF’s global conservation mission. Emily has her Master’s in Marine Science from Northeastern University. She previously served as an NEAq program educator from 2017-2019 working in the Aquarium’s community outreach programs. Most recently, Emily worked for Northeastern University in both outreach and administrative roles. She is also the president-elect of the board of Massachusetts Marine Educators and serves on the board of Women Working for Oceans (W2O) with a focus on their environmental justice work. 

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.

Mary is  passionate about experiencing and working in wild spaces. She is a practicing researcher, experienced in project management with her current career being species-focused. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from the Copperbelt University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Environmental and Natural Management at the University of Zambia. In 2018, Mary embarked on a rewarding journey as an ecologist intern with BirdWatch Zambia. Since joining the organization, She has participated in species and biodiversity surveys, monitored habitats, engaged with young learners, and established nature clubs in schools among various other activities. Currently, Mary is honored to serve as a Species Conservation Officer and lead the Vulture Conservation Program at BirdWatch Zambia. Within this role, Mary oversees a multitude of responsibilities, including coordinating research efforts, facilitating capacity building initiatives, and managing partner relations. Additionally, she skillfully blends project activities with community engagement and outreach to ensure that local communities become parts of the conservation solutions we strive for. Mary's expertise also extends to wildlife poisoning response, both in practice and as a trainer. She possess a keen interest in areas such as tourism, law enforcement, and wildlife crime prevention.