World Wildlife Fund Sustainability Works

Behind the Scenes with Afsoon Namini, Director, Private Sector Engagement

  • Date: 14 April 2022

In our Behind the Scenes series we speak to WWF staff to learn more about their work and what makes them tick. For today’s post, we caught up with Afsoon Namini, a director with WWF's Private Sector Engagement Team.

Afsoon Namini surrounded by bamboo

What is your position at WWF and what does it entail?

I am a Director on the Private Sector Engagement team, leading on our philanthropic strategy and some of our transformational partnerships. My team and I work closely with our goal teams to develop compelling narratives around their priority program initiatives that we can pitch to corporates for funding and strategic partnerships. We are most successful when we can frame the work to address problems businesses are looking to solve, most importantly climate and supply chain impacts. More recently, biodiversity and nature objectives have been added to the mix.

What previous experience have you had that led you to WWF, educational or professional?

Throughout my career, I have worked with companies on strategic partnerships. I started in advertising negotiating big ad buys for a large trade publication, then progressed to align to my passion more closely in mission-driven organizations- first in service to vulnerable older Americans, and now for wildlife and the environment. Animals and wildlife are my passion though, so it’s been a happy landing.

What advice would you give a young professional who is interested in sustainability?

For young professionals, I would say find your passion and areas you'd want to work in sustainability, seek knowledge, stick with it, be solutions-driven and think big!

Describe your favorite moment in nature.

Oh so many: watching elephant families and their young enjoying nature in Thailand and South Africa; blue-footed boobies and general birdwatching in the Galapagos and Amazon; hugging and kissing the last two northern white rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya; and finally, riding horseback with my friends through the Colchagua Valley in Chile finding a spot that overlooks the valley for wine and a picnic.

What brings you joy outside of work?

Music and Animals. Movies and Sports—football, tennis, Washington Capitals hockey. Guitar, chess, gin drinks and fine vegetarian dining- not necessarily expensive. Friends and family. Global peace.

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