Wildlife conservation thrives when it is led by local conservationists who are deeply connected to the landscapes and communities they serve. Their cultural awareness and respect for natural resources lead to more sustainable and impactful outcomes. Yet, these leaders, especially Indigenous people, people of color, and women, have long been underrepresented in conservation.
WCN’s Rising Wildlife Leaders: Careers program, launched in 2021, empowers local conservationists with the training, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed. By reducing barriers to employment and fostering career growth, the program strengthens local leadership and ensures conservation remains rooted where it matters most.
Initially focused on Africa, the program expanded in 2025 to support conservationists in both Africa and Asia. In partnership with the International Rhino Foundation and WCN’s Rhino Recovery Fund, the 2025 cohort is helping to shape the future of rhino conservation.
Core Components
- Personalized Professional Development Plans guide participants’ career growth over three years
- Up to $4,000 per year to support relevant courses and convenings aligned with their goals (excluding academic degrees)
- Professional mentorship for the duration of the program to provide guidance, accountability, and support
- Community building through facilitated peer learning, networking, and knowledge-sharing opportunities to build long-term collaborative relationships
- Access to targeted financial support through mini-grants
Why it Matters
- Builds strong, effective conservation leaders with the skills, confidence, and guidance needed to lead impactful conservation efforts over the long term
- Addresses real-world career challenges and overcomes barriers to growth
- Strengthens peer and professional networks and builds lasting support systems
- Promotes sustainable conservation impact by ensuring conservation outcomes are driven and sustained by locally grounded leaders.
- Supports diversity and inclusion in conservation, including women and underrepresented groups, to thrive and remain in the sector.
Management & Governance
Rhino Cohort Advisory Committee
- Nina Fascoine, Executive Director, International Rhino Foundation
- Laura Gruber, Senior Programs Manager, Wildlife Conservation Network
- Martha Parker, Director of Grants & Partnership Development, International Rhino Foundation
- Markus Hofmeyr, Rhino Recovery Fund Director, Wildlife Conservation Network
Cohort one to three Selection Committee
- Hugo van der Westhuizen, Conservation Director, Frankfurt Zoological Society
- Laura Gruber Senior Programs Manager, Wildlife Conservation Network
- Resson Kantai Duff, Director Portfolio Funding, Maliasili
Program Manager
- Bwalya Kampamba, Wildlife Conservation Network
Current Mentors
Rhino Cohort Mentors
- Angus Sholto Douglas, Managing Director, Kwandwe Conservancy
- Craig Sholto Douglas, Environmental Manager, Kwandwe Conservancy
- Colleen Begg, Director, Niassa Carnivore Project
- Jeff Muntifering, Science Advisor, Save the Rhino Trust
- Kerri Rademeyer, CEO, Alinea
- Micheal Hicks, Project Manager, Wildlife Protection Solutions
- Sam Ferreira, Scientific Officer, African Rhino Specialist Group
Cohort Three Mentors
- Dr Rui Branco, Director of Conservation, Associaca Natura, Mocambiq
- Ever Chinoda, Director, Speak Out For Animals
- Craig Packer, Professor, University of Minnesota
- Agostinho Jorge, Director of Conservation, Niassa Carnivore Project
- Bupe Ritah Banda, National Administrator, Zambia Community Resource Board
- Bwalya Chibwe, Programme Manager and PhD Candidate, Linkoping University
Meet the Participants
From mentorship to peer collaboration, these leaders are building the skills and networks they need to shape the future of conservation.
News
Support Conservation Careers
Your donation to the Rising Wildlife Leaders program empowers local conservationists with the training, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed.
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