Meet 13 women making waves in conservation

Scientists have an innate curiosity. They seek to understand not only how things work, but why. They search for answers relentlessly and strive to improve the world through knowledge, evidence, and discovery. For conservation scientists, the natural world supplies an endless amount of questions they often dedicate their lives to exploring. There are many challenges, particularly for women, in this field, that include lack of funding, limited resources, and dangerous working conditions. But still they persist.

To celebrate this dedication, we invited women scientists from around the world to share thoughts on their field and what drives them to push through challenging circumstances. This list is by no means exhaustive and represents only a fraction of the amazing women conducting critical science and research for our planet. There are many more out there working at various capacities to advance conservation at all levels. Today, and every day, we acknowledge their contributions and celebrate their successes.

Central America

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YasmÍn Quintana

Nicole Auil Gomez stands at the front of a classroom with her arms outstretchedNicole Auil Gomez

South America

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Xime Velez-Liendo headshotXime Velez-Liendo

Sofía Macarena Green headshotSofÍa Macarena Green

Angela M Maldonado headshotAngela M Maldonado

Juliana Vélez Gómez headshotJuliana Vélez Gómez

Africa

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Caroline Lumosi headshotCaroline Lumosi

Christy Achtone Nkollo-Kema Kema  headshotChristy Achtone Nkollo-Kema Kema

Emilia Inman headshotEmilia Inman

Angelina Martins headshotAngelina Martins

Asia

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Estradivari headshotEstradivari

Thu Zar Aung headshotThu Zar Aung

Sabita Gurung sits in a field holding a sampleSabita Gurung

The scientists featured on this page are alumna of WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program.