Schedule

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*Please note that this is an invitation-only event.

Our Conservation Legacy:  20 Years of EWCL Learnings 

Current State of Conservation - This interview will be a candid conversation with Rhett Ayers Butler, founder and CEO of Mongabay, exploring the current state of global conservation- what’s working, what’s not, and how storytelling, policy, and local leadership are shaping the future of our planet’s biodiversity. Together, we’ll unpack the biggest shifts and lessons from decades of reporting on conservation efforts around the world.

Rhett Butler interviewed by Crystal DiMiceli (C4)

Storytelling for Impact: Part I - This panel will explore how media and storytelling can drive meaningful and measurable change. Featuring leaders in journalism, conservation, and film, we’ll dive into impact campaigns, media-driven strategies, and the evolving opportunities for conservationists and storytellers in today’s rapidly shifting world.

Marja Diaz (C8) - moderator

Bryan Christy

Donna Gadomski

Nilanga Jayasinghe (C2)

Scott Ressler

Storytelling for Impact: Part II - This session will provide an overview of the art of storytelling as a means for achieving impact for conservation, including tips on how to develop concise and compelling pitches for target audiences. We will also touch on some of the opportunities and challenges of using various media storytelling platforms to inspire action, such as written, audio-visual, and social media.

Elizabeth Murdock - introduction

Danielle Brigida (C4)

Kaila Ferrari (C10)

Justin Grubb (C7)

David Mizejewski (C1)

Chip Weiskotten (C6)

Conservation Leadership - This session is an opportunity to hear from established leaders from different backgrounds about the qualities and experiences that they have found to be important in our conservation movement. It will also be a discussion of the struggles, tough decisions, and challenges that face people in different areas of the wildlife conservation sector and beyond.

Bentley Johnson (C6) - moderator

Peter LaLampaa (C5)

Loren Mayer

Mark Penning

Brandie Smith

Resilience and Well-Being: Caring for Ourselves as Conservationists - Working in the conservation profession is hard on our hearts, minds and bodies. Join us as we take time to process the normal yet intense experiences of doing wildlife conservation, including feelings of eco-grief, compassion fatigue, lack of impact and burnout. We'll practice guided visualization, creative writing and art, and peer support.

Alison Zak (C9) - introduction

Jennifer Miller

United for a Better Tomorrow: Shaping the Future of Conservation 

Conservation & Communities - This session explores how conservation has shifted over time toward community-focused approaches that prioritize local decision-making and trust-building. The panel will examine the evolving role of conservationists, especially those from outside the community, in supporting rather than directing local efforts, and learn how intentional facilitation of community empowerment leads to conservation outcomes.

Lily Maynard (C7) - moderator

Beth Allgood

Francine Madden 

Javier Mateo-Vega

Conservation & Technology Cafe - Explore conservation innovation in this rapid-fire showcase of emerging technologies that are shaping the future of conservation. From AI-driven tools to real-time tracking and acoustic monitors, each five-minute spotlight offers a glimpse into cutting-edge conservation technology, followed by in-person, interactive demos and inspiring conversations with the innovators.

Zachary Dvornicky-Raymond (C10) - introduction

Marissa Balfour (C9)

Colby Bishop

Kasie Corraco

Dr. Arnaud Lyet 

Onkuri Majumdar (C4)

Lona Stoll

Alison Styring (C1)

Fundraising - The base of funding for conservation has rapidly and dramatically changed recently. Our speakers bring years of experience in supporting conservation efforts through family foundations, the private sector, and community partnerships. Together we will wrestle with questions about how to make sense of the current landscape and how to best continue to raise funds for important conservation work.

Natalie Bailey (C1) - moderator

Tracey Duffey

Taldi Harrison

Karin Kirchoff

Julia Luthringer

Conservation Innovators - This panel brings together conservation leaders who are redefining how we think about and approach conservation. From community-driven behavior change and youth mobilization to evidence-based strategy design and knowledge co-production with Indigenous peoples, the panelists will share their experiences pioneering creative and inclusive conservation solutions.

Taylor Tench (C10) - moderator

Amielle DeWan (C3)

Brett Jenks

Sean Russell (C7)

Paul Todd

In Memoriam: Zegey Kibret, Marlon Oliver Beale, Peter Riger, and Scott Smith - This session will remember four members of the EWCL community who we have lost: Scott Smith from Class 2, Zegeye Kibret from Class 4, Marlon Oliver Beale from the Caribbean EWCL Class, and Peter Riger who was one of EWCL’s original and strongest supporters.

Sara Barth

Nurzhafarina (Farina) Othman (C8)

De-Extinction: Making the Past our Future - This session explores how Colossal Biosciences is using cutting-edge biotechnology to potentially revive extinct species and advance wildlife conservation. We’ll delve into the scientific, ethical, and ecological impacts of de-extinction with Chief Animal Officer, Matt James.

Matt James interviewed by Danielle Kessler (C4)

Future Proofing Your Organization - This session will inform attendees of best practices to ensure a long-term and sustainable foundation for organizations. Colleagues from an array of conservation backgrounds and experiences will share their top recommendations on strengthening organizational culture, succession planning, building an effective Board of Directors and diversifying funding for long-term sustainability and success.

Martha Parker (C7) - moderator

Cullen Geiselman

David Kuvawoga (C8)

Alli Sribarra (C4)

T'Noya Thompson (C8)