On October 24th, WINGS WorldQuest will induct five new Fellows during our 2024 Women of Discovery Awards Gala in New York City. In a special Q&A series, we are sharing a little bit about each honoree. Dr. Paula Kahumbu is a prominent Kenyan conservationist and the CEO of WildlifeDirect. She earned her Ph.D. from Princeton University, focusing on Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Kahumbu has been instrumental in redefining wildlife conservation through education and engaging storytelling, aiming to inspire worldwide action for environmental preservation.
WINGS: Tell us your story. How did you get involved in science and your field specifically?
DR. PAULA KAHUMBU: I was mentored by Richard Leakey from a young age, had great teachers and opportunities to go on expeditions as a child through the Brathay Expedition (aged 15) and Outward Bound (aged 17). I did my BSc and MSc on zoology, biology, conservation biology thinking I would go onto study science, and my PhD on Ecology and Evolutionary Biology – my dream was to work on wildlife research in Kenya. Studying elephants and primates I became very aware of the need for policy change, and conservation of these species which were persecuted for tie products. I moved into advocacy, conservation action, education and filmmaking to promote conservation and environmental awareness and action in Africa.
WINGS: What is something you would like people to understand about your work?
DR. PAULA KAHUMBU: It’s a very difficult space in Africa where governments hardly finance conservation or research. There is no content in the school curriculum and conservation in general is seen as a luxury for expatriate and wildlife is seen as valuable only as an attraction for tourists.
WINGS: What are the greatest barriers to more women working in science?
DR. PAULA KAHUMBU: Conservation has become very militarized field that is dominated by men, this is emphasized in films which are very much from a western and male gaze. Challenging this perspective meets a lot of resistance particularly from government and international donors.
WINGS: What gets you up in the morning?
DR. PAULA KAHUMBU: Kids and young people – hearing young people tell me that they are committed to conservation after just one or two engagements with my organization is hugely encouraging. Africa is a young continent, and I’m constantly surprised at the innovation, enthusiasm and ease of working with young people. The possibilities of getting kids outdoors, enjoying nature and seeing it through their eyes afresh every day.
WINGS: What’s your next challenge?
DR. PAULA KAHUMBU: Getting conservation education mainstreamed into the national education program where film content is a key ingredient to making it fun, and relevant for the future of Africa’s aspirations.
WINGS: Describe yourself in three words.
DR. PAULA KAHUMBU: Driven, persistent, innovative.
