African People & Wildlife Fund
In 2010, I travelled to Tanzania on a field course in the Ecology of East African Ecosystems, during which time we visited the headquarters of community-based conservation organization the African People & Wildlife Fund at the Eastern border of Tarangire National Park. Inspired by their philosophy and place-based approach, I returned to work for them from 2013 to 2016, first as a media intern during my communications post-grad and then as their multimedia coordinator.
Place-Based Conservation
APW works on Tanzania’s Maasai Steppe to reduce human-wildlife conflict in an area known for its high densities of elephants, its returning lion populations, and composed largely of indigenous Maasai communities who have culturally entrenched lion hunts. Working with the community-based organization, which employed a majority of local staff, required learning Swahili and immersing myself in the cultures and relationships of this part of rural Tanzania. I am honoured to have been let into the communities we worked in, and have deep gratitude for my bosses and mentors Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld and Charles (Buddy) Trout, as well as my friends and colleagues who taught me so much during my time there. I spent a total of 8 months at the headquarters just outside the village of Loibor Siret, and worked remotely for the remainder of my time with the organization. I split my time in Tanzania between writing, photography, film, social media, and design. My remote work largely consisted of writing blogs and other communications, and editing videos.
Role: Multimedia Coordinator (Communications)
