Each year, WINGS honors women who are redefining the frontiers of science, conservation, and exploration. The 2025 Women of Discovery Fellows are a powerful cohort of leaders whose work spans continents and disciplines. These women are not only advancing knowledge but also inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
🌿 Dr. Yara Barros – Conservation Biologist, Brazil
Dr. Barros is the Executive Coordinator of Project Jaguars of Iguaçu, a pioneering conservation initiative in Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park. Her work focuses on protecting jaguars through scientific monitoring, habitat preservation, and community education. Under her leadership, the project has become a model for large carnivore conservation in South America, integrating local stakeholders and policymakers to ensure long-term ecological impact.
🌊 Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – Marine Biologist & Climate Policy Expert, USA
Dr. Johnson is a renowned ocean advocate and co-founder of the Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for coastal cities. She also co-created the Blue New Deal, a roadmap for ocean-based climate solutions. Her work bridges science, policy, and culture, emphasizing equity and justice in climate action. A prolific writer and speaker, she is shaping public discourse on how to build a sustainable and inclusive climate future.
🐟 Dr. Divya Karnad – Marine Conservationist, India
As an associate professor at Ashoka University, Dr. Karnad is a leader in sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity. She co-founded InSeason Fish, a sustainable seafood initiative that connects consumers with responsibly sourced fish. Her research addresses the ecological and social dimensions of marine conservation, particularly the challenges faced by small-scale fishers in India. Her work is transforming how seafood is harvested and consumed.
🐘 Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman – Elephant Conservationist, Malaysia
Dr. Othman, also known as Farina, is a conservation scientist dedicated to protecting the endangered Bornean elephant. She founded the Seratu Aatai initiative, which works with Indigenous communities in Sabah to reduce human-elephant conflict. Her approach combines rigorous field research with community empowerment, ensuring that conservation efforts are both effective and culturally respectful.
🤖 Dr. Grace C. Young – Ocean Engineer & Technologist, USA
Dr. Young is a Lead Scientist at X, Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory, where she develops radical technologies to monitor and protect the ocean. With a background in mechanical and ocean engineering from MIT and Oxford, she has worked on underwater robotics, autonomous sensing systems, and deep-sea exploration. Her innovations aim to revolutionize how we understand and respond to oceanic change, from climate impacts to biodiversity loss.
These women are not only advancing science—they are reshaping how we think about leadership, equity, and the future of our planet. WINGS aims to support their work with unrestricted grants and a global platform to help amplify their work and voices.
Attend the 2025 Women of Discovery Awards Gala
Celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary women in person at the 2025 WINGS Women of Discovery Awards Gala!
📅 Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: 583 Park Avenue, New York, NY
