Women Leading Conservation: Celebrating Loisaba’s Female Board Members

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women shaping the future of conservation and community empowerment. At Loisaba Conservancy, we are proud to have strong female leaders on our Board of Directors, who bring expertise, passion, and dedication to protecting wildlife and supporting communities.

Their leadership reflects the spirit of Wangari Maathai, Kenya’s trailblazing environmentalist and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She believed that conservation and community well-being go hand in hand, famously stating:

“It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.”

Just as Wangari Maathai fought for environmental protection and women’s empowerment, our female board members are driving change at Loisaba—ensuring conservation benefits both people and nature.

Meet Our Female Board Members

 

🌿 Sophie Kinyua – Chairman, Loisaba Board of Directors

A lifelong conservationist, Sophie’s passion began in her teenage years and has come full circle. She started her career in fundraising at Friends of Conservation, a Mara-based not-for-profit, and wrote her college thesis on Environmental Refugees. She attended her first Rhino Charge in 1989 and has since been actively involved in fundraising efforts for black rhino conservation.

Joining Loisaba’s Board in 2021, Sophie later took on the role of Board Chair, playing a key role in the successful reintroduction of black rhinos at Loisaba. She believes that women in leadership serve as role models for the next generation of female conservationists, breaking barriers and fostering gender equity in science, policy, and environmental management.

 

Her advice to young women in conservation?

“Nothing is impossible with passion and perseverance—get involved in any way you can. Humility, compassion, and leading by example are key. Conservation is about working with communities, finding solutions, and taking a hands-on approach to protecting nature.”

Sophie also emphasises the unique role women play in conservation:

“By virtue of our nature and traditional roles in managing resources, women-led conservation initiatives often prioritise long-term sustainability, biodiversity protection, and the equitable distribution of natural resources. Encouraging women’s leadership is not just about equality—it is about strengthening environmental protection and sustainability for everyone.”

 

🌿 Maria Mbeneka – Board Member

“To effect change in the world, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones, choose daily to pursue the goals we set out to achieve, and constantly keep doing better.”

Maria Mbeneka is a passionate advocate for justice, leadership, and community empowerment. As a lawyer, she has dedicated her career to fostering positive change, particularly in governance, legal reforms, and community engagement. She believes that conservation and leadership are deeply intertwined—protecting nature requires strong governance, equitable policies, and meaningful collaboration with the communities who share their landscapes with wildlife.

Reflecting on International Women’s Day and 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, Maria acknowledges the progress that has been made in gender equality but also the work that remains. She sees Loisaba Conservancy as a living example of how conservation and community development can go hand in hand, ensuring that natural resources benefit both wildlife and people.

Maria is especially passionate about encouraging more women to take leadership roles in conservation. She believes that by amplifying women’s voices and creating opportunities for them to be decision-makers, we can drive lasting environmental and social change.

“We exist on this earth for a limited time—what we choose to do with that time defines our purpose. I am privileged to be living my purpose, working alongside inspiring women who are shaping the future of conservation.”

 

🌿 Ellie Modesta – Board Member

A champion for women’s empowerment, Ellie Modesta is a pastoralist woman from northern Kenya who has overcome immense challenges to support and uplift her community. After persevering against cultural barriers to complete her education, she founded Chui Mamas, a community-based organisation empowering women through skills training, micro-enterprises, and conservation initiatives. 

Ellie is passionate about increasing women’s participation in conservation and rangeland management, leading projects such as:

✅ Land restoration & grass banks – rehabilitating degraded areas for both livestock and wildlife
✅ Sustainable livelihoods – beekeeping, beadwork, organic farming, and sewing reusable pads and uniforms
✅ Education & mentorship – literacy programmes, scholarships, and skills training for women and children

Through Loisaba’s partnership with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Chui Mamas Resource Centre became a reality—creating a space for over 1,000 women across Samburu, Isiolo, and Laikipia counties to learn, grow, and build sustainable businesses.

Ellie is proud to serve on Loisaba’s Board, where she advocates for stronger connections between conservation and local communities. She believes that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.

 

🌿 Chantal Migongo-Bake – Board Member

As Deputy Conservation Director – Africa at The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Chantal plays a vital role in shaping conservation strategies across the continent. With extensive experience in environmental management, strategic planning, and donor relations, she leads impactful initiatives that balance wildlife conservation with community development.

Chantal’s journey in conservation spans roles in research, project management, and policy advocacy. At Loisaba Conservancy, she was instrumental in transitioning its management and ownership structure, ensuring long-term sustainability and community engagement in conservation. Her expertise extends to biodiversity governance, agroforestry, and ecosystem restoration, always with a strong focus on local partnerships and evidence-based solutions.

As a Loisaba Board Member, Chantal is a strong advocate for inclusive conservation, recognising the power of women and communities in driving lasting environmental change. She is committed to ensuring that conservation is not just about protecting landscapes but also about empowering people to be stewards of their own natural resources.

Her message to young women in conservation?

“Conservation is not just about protecting nature—it’s about people, resilience, and solutions that work for everyone. Find your space, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to lead.”

 

As we celebrate the women leading conservation today, we also look ahead to a future where even more women have the opportunity to make an impact. Together, we are stronger and better.

#InternationalWomensDay #LandConnectedLifeProtected #WomenInConservation #EmpowerWomenEmpowerCommunities