I have followed Tusk’s work for a number of years and was lucky enough to visit some of their projects in Kenya a few years ago. Since then, I’ve been committed to keep pushing Tusk’s efforts, notably via our incredible network of supporters. I was thrilled to join the Tusk Next Gen committee and can’t wait for what’s to come. I guess this means I need to run the Lewa marathon now - although friends would tell you I’ve been saying this for years….

When my running obsessed Dad managed to persuade me to do the Lewa Half Marathon in 2019, I was nervous, but it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life and I have since been back to run again. My trips to Lewa have been amazing for so many reasons but some of the stand out moments have been seeing the community projects and conservation efforts Tusk are supporting. Seeing the real impact Tusk is having for people and wildlife on the ground in Kenya and the rest of Africa has fuelled my passion for sustainable conservation and community development. Having the opportunity to work with other like-minded individuals on the Tusk Next Gen team was therefore an incredible chance I couldn’t let pass by! As a recent University graduate, I am really looking forward to expanding Tusk’s outreach among passionate young people.

Africa has always been an incredibly special place for me. I’ve been privileged to spend a lot of time across the continent and I’ve been inspired by the amazing wildlife, beautiful landscapes and incredible people I met. I first got involved with Tusk in 2016 when I joined the team at work running the Lewa Safaricom Marathon. It was a hugely eye opening experience, getting to see first hand several of their projects on the ground, the significant impact they are having both in protecting the wildlife for future generations but also in supporting the local communities. Since then, I’ve been actively seeking to get more involved with Tusk, first through our corporate fundraising effort and now as part of the Tusk Next Gen Team. It’s a great way to connect with like-mind people who are passionate about the cause, to learn more about the current projects and about what else we can do.

Growing up in Kenya surrounded by wildlife sparked my passion for conservation, leading to nearly a decade in international development with organisations like UNEP-WCMC and Sand Dams International, where I fundraised for sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity. Now a Philanthropy Advisor at J.P. Morgan Private Bank advising individuals, families and foundations across Europe and the Middle East on their philanthropy. I’m excited to contribute as part of the Tusk Next Gen Committee, championing African community-led conservation initiatives.

With family in Kenya working in conservation, I’ve seen first-hand the real-life impact that organisations like Tusk can have for those on the ground. Having come across Tusk in a professional capacity through a political lobbying project in animal conservation, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the breadth and impact of their work. If I can play a small role in supporting the organisation’s efforts across the African continent, I knew I would have been silly to turn that opportunity down. I am thrilled to join the Next Gen Committee and look forward to helping grow the community and raise vital funds for Tusk’s projects across the continent.