We have been humbled by the incredible support from donors and partners that have allowed us to contribute to impactful conservation projects around the world - and gratified that we’re now in a position to grow our organization so we can continue with this work. There is an increasing need for large-scale conservation efforts, and we are building a team that allows us to tackle the highly-complex, landscape level conservation challenges that are our specialty. We are very happy to welcome three new members to the team: Brenda Schuster, Camilla McConnell and Nancy Joan.
Brenda Schuster, Camilla McConnell and Nancy Joan
Brenda, joining WildLandscapes as Head of Program and Strategy, is a highly experienced international development professional with nearly 25 years of expertise across 80 countries. She has advanced degrees in International Studies, Nutrition, and is completing one in Forests and Climate Change. Her background includes leading roles as a technical advisor and program director for NGOs, UN agencies, public-private partnerships, and governments. She’s served in the Peace Corps, launched a business in Viet Nam, and secured nearly $300 million in funding through her grant writing skills. At WildLandscapes, Brenda will draw on her extensive experience to develop strategies, expand funding opportunities, and support impactful conservation initiatives globally. Based in Switzerland, she’s poised to strengthen WildLandscapes’ capacity to manage complex projects and build cross-sector collaborations that drive long-term conservation success on a global scale.
Camilla is coming on board as Head of Communication and Branding. Her background blends creativity with a lifelong connection to nature. Spending much of her childhood on safari in the Kenyan wilderness, she developed a deep appreciation for the environment, which she channels into her work today. With over 15 years of experience in graphic design, digital marketing, copywriting, and web design, Camilla has a commendable ability to translate complex conservation issues into compelling narratives. At WildLandscapes, she will be leveraging her diverse skill set and deep enthusiasm for the organizations’ goals to produce impactful content that draws attention to critical environmental efforts and engages a wide audience.
Nancy is a passionate Kenyan conservationist with a strong interest in landscape connectivity and preserving broader ecosystem biodiversity. Born in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, and having spent much of her early life at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nancy’s enthusiasm for wildlife conservation took root and blossomed through hands-on experiences in the field. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and Conservation at the University of Nairobi, she has gained practical experience through multiple conservation internships at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and 51 Degrees. Her motivation stems from witnessing critical conservation challenges in her home region, such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the fragmentation of natural landscapes. She believes that effective conservation hinges on reconnecting people with nature and fostering a stronger relationship between communities and their environments. We’re very excited to have her on board and look forward to receiving her unique insights as we develop our strategies and programmes.