Conservation Nation Elephant Logo

Our Team

Conservation Nation is a dedicated team with decades of combined experience advancing the work of wildlife conservation here, in the field and around the globe. We are committed to changing the conservation career path from one of limited access to one of inclusion and growth.

Lynn Mento

Lynn Mento

Co-CEO

How I got here: I ran Friends of the National Zoo as the first female leader in its 63-year history from 2015 until the separation from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 2021. Prior to FONZ, I led several groups at AARP, ran a marketing agency in DC, and started my career in advertising in New York City. In 2016, my team and I began Conservation Nation as an initiative to provide grants to Smithsonian conservation scientists working to save threatened wildlife around the globe. I’m thrilled we’ve evolved that initiative into our new Conservation Nation organization today.

Favorite animal: The cassowary, for sure.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Beyond a desire to help endangered animals, my mom is my passion. She was the child of very poor Italian immigrants and spoke no English when she started school – but she loved math and was brilliant at it. In high school, she was one of a handful of students selected to take a test to go to MIT. But the other students selected were mostly sons of well off and well-educated parents. No one else looked like her or lived how she lived, so she didn’t show up for the test. No student should limit their academic options simply because they don’t see a role model who looks like them or walked a similar path.

Tricia Reilly Koch

Tricia Reilly Koch

Co-CEO

How I got here: I’m a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of building mission-driven businesses. I’m excited to bring this energy to Conservation Nation, where I’ll be leveraging my experience to support the mission of protecting the planet and its biodiversity. Well-being is at the core of everything I do, and to me, it’s not just about individual health—it’s about creating a balance between mind, body, and the environment. True well-being comes when we align personal health with the health of the world around us. We thrive when we nurture the earth, and in return, the earth nurtures us. This is the foundation of my work in wellness and now, in conservation.

Favorite Animal: I love dolphins. I love their intelligence, their playfulness and their deep social bonds. They embody the freedom and beauty of the ocean, reminding us why protecting marine life and their habitats is so vital. This work aligns so beautifully with Conservation Nation’s mission.

Special Passion For Conservation Nation’s Mission: Well-being doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s intricately tied to the health of the planet. Clean air, water, and food all come from healthy ecosystems. Biodiversity is the foundation of a flourishing world, and when species are lost, ecosystems suffer and so do we. By protecting biodiversity, we safeguard our own future. Conservation isn’t just about saving individual species; it’s about preserving the interconnected web of life that sustains us all.
I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to Conservation Nation, to expand its reach and impact, and to strengthen the vital link between human well-being and planetary health. By working together, we can ensure that the planet—and the people on it—thrive.

Doro Bush Koch

Co-Founder

How I got here: As a co-founder of BB&R (Bright Bold & Real) with Tricia Reilly Koch, I’ve spent over two decades helping individuals understand and integrate holistic health into their lives, including co-hosting our Health Gig podcast where we’ve engaged in insightful conversations with leading authors, doctors, and wellness experts. I’ve also been deeply committed to education as the Honorary Chairman of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, helping families and communities nationwide build brighter futures through literacy education.

Several years ago, it became so clear to us that it’s simply not possible to achieve optimal personal health while the planet’s health is in peril. Tricia and I have long believed that we are all one with nature and that nature heals, provides, and sustains us. When we looked at how the loss of wildlife and their ecosystems is fraying the life-giving web of biodiversity we realized that our optimal health work needed to expand to sit at the holistic intersection of personal wellbeing, planetary wellbeing, and reconnecting with nature (particularly for our children). There’s such a deep connection between human health, nature, and the preservation of wildlife – and this is becoming more and more important. That’s why I became a co-founder of Conservation Nation and I’m so proud of the work we’ve been doing to save biodiversity, educate, and provide access to nature for all children.

My favorite animal: I love all animals, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the elephant. They’re intelligent, emotional, and vital to their ecosystems. Their strength, wisdom, and social bonds reflect the interconnectedness we need in conservation and life.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: I’m hugely passionate about this intersection of personal health and planetary health. And I’m equally passionate about helping all children have access to the educational sparks that can inspire lifelong change, whether that’s literacy through my mom’s foundation or STEM education through Conservation Nation. Looking back, I suppose my passion comes from my early years spending time outdoors on the coast of Maine with my family, and the strong belief that was passed on that education is the key to thriving and that every child deserves access to that same key.

Jocelyn Marquez

Jocelyn Marquez

Program Assistant

How I got here: My path to Conservation Nation began in middle school in Mexico City, where I witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of pollution on potable water and air quality. Around that time, climate change became a growing topic of conversation, and it sparked a deep interest in environmental issues and conservation. I pursued this passion academically, earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology from The George Washington University. During my Master’s, my research focused on how climate change affects pests on organic farms in Virginia, and I shared the findings with local farmers. Following that, I joined the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Climate Fellow, facilitating collaboration between the agency and the U.S. Army to assess climate hazard impacts on military bases in the Southwest. I presented to national-level stakeholders and regularly collaborated with military staff to protect wildlife on their lands. Now at Conservation Nation, I’m excited to keep working at the intersection of science, conservation, and community—making sure more people from diverse backgrounds are part of the conversation.

Favorite animal: My favorite animal is constantly changing as I learn more about the natural world, but right now, I’d say it’s the bumblebee. They’re incredibly important pollinators, playing a key role in ecosystems and food production—and there’s still so much to discover about their species and diversity.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Throughout my education, I’ve benefited from programs created for underrepresented communities—experiences that deeply shaped who I am today. That’s why Conservation Nation’s mission really resonates with me. When I learn about initiatives like Teen Leaders in Conservation, I see a younger version of myself in those students. I also truly believe that advancing global conservation requires diverse voices and lived experiences. Conservation has to be intersectional—there’s space for everyone in this work, and we’re stronger because of it!

Jamie Palumbo

Jamie Palumbo

Collective

How I got here: I am a nonprofit management professional with fifteen years of experience in board and advisory council support, project management, and stewardship. Prior to joining Conservation Nation, I served as the Senior Advisory Council Liaison for America250 (A250) where I worked to develop an advisory council program designed to ensure the nation’s top experts and community leaders had a voice in the planning of America’s 250th anniversary. I am returning to Conservation Nation after previously serving as the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) Culture & Board Relations Manager where I was able to contribute to our conservation mission by supporting the FONZ Board, advancing team culture efforts, and project managing cross-organizational initiatives. Prior to my time at FONZ, I spent five years supporting the Graduate Dean of Arts & Sciences at the George Washington University while also completing my master’s in public policy. I began my career as a Development Associate and Board Liaison at Progressive Maryland working on issues related to healthcare access and increased living wages. Originally from New Jersey, I am now a long-time resident of the Washington, DC area.

Favorite animal: I would have to say the fennec fox. Their giant ears are both adorable and critical to their survival as they help them find prey and regulate their temperature out in the desert.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Growing up in a coastal town in NJ, the natural world, and the impact I have upon it, has always been a large part of my life. It has led me to participate in dune grass plantings and beach clean-ups as a child and then more significantly to incorporating a focus on the environment into my studies in college and graduate school. I recognize how lucky I am to have had that connection to the environment from an early age and am excited to be joining a team that is dedicated to both addressing critical conservation issues and inspiring that connection through its work.

Taylor Rabe

Taylor Rabe

Education and Engagement Facilitator

How I got here: I am a full-time biological science technician with the Yellowstone Wolf, Cougar and Elk Project. I’ve always had an extreme passion for wildlife, and have spent time exploring the globe searching for critters. After working as a naturalist in Yellowstone for a few years, I was honored to be announced Conservation Nation’s inaugural fellow. I have been supported and encouraged by Conservation Nation over the years, and they’re the reason I’m living my dream, and studying gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

Favorite animal: African Wild Dogs

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Growing up, I’d always dreamt of studying animals. However, I never saw anyone who looked like me. I love that Conservation Nation strives to bring in underrepresented communities into the conservation field, and I love that I get to be a part of that. I appreciate their willingness to put their money where their mouth is by encouraging and inspiring younger generations to get out and be involved in wildlife, despite what someone might look like, or their socioeconomic status.

Lacey Tilley

Principal Advisor

How I Got Here: I am the proud principal of Barbara Bush Middle School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where I am entering my fourth year as campus leader. My journey began as a high school math teacher and cheerleading coach, followed by five years as an assistant principal at both elementary and middle school levels. With over a decade of experience in public education, I’ve always been passionate about expanding access and opportunities for students—especially in areas where they’ve been historically underrepresented, like conservation, STEM, and environmental education.

At Bush Middle School, I helped launch the first-ever middle school partnership with Conservation Nation. Together, we created a schoolwide conservation lesson and hosted an inspiring assembly featuring Conservation Nation scientists. This experience sparked curiosity, purpose, and possibility for our students—helping them see themselves in conservation and scientific careers in new and exciting ways.

Favorite Animal: The Otter
Otters are playful, resourceful, and community-minded—traits I deeply admire.
Fun facts about otters:

  • They hold hands while they sleep to keep from drifting apart, a behavior called a “raft.”
  • Otters use rocks as tools to crack open shells, showing creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • They play an essential role in their ecosystems by keeping sea urchin populations in check, which helps protect kelp forests.

Special Passion for Conservation Nation’s Mission: What excites me most about Conservation Nation is its power to connect young people with conservation in ways that feel personal, meaningful, and transformative. I believe every student deserves the chance to discover their passions and see themselves as future scientists, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Conservation Nation makes this possible by opening doors for students who may never have imagined a place for themselves in conservation. I am honored to serve as a liaison—bringing these experiences to classrooms and helping students see that they, too, can make a difference in protecting our planet.

Lynn Mento

Lynn Mento

CEO

How I got here: I ran Friends of the National Zoo as the first female leader in its 63-year history from 2015 until the separation from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 2021. Prior to FONZ, I led several groups at AARP, ran a marketing agency in DC, and started my career in advertising in New York City. In 2016, my team and I began Conservation Nation as an initiative to provide grants to Smithsonian conservation scientists working to save threatened wildlife around the globe. I’m thrilled we’ve evolved that initiative into our new Conservation Nation organization today.

Favorite animal: The cassowary, for sure.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Beyond a desire to help endangered animals, my mom is my passion. She was the child of very poor Italian immigrants and spoke no English when she started school – but she loved math and was brilliant at it. In high school, she was one of a handful of students selected to take a test to go to MIT. But the other students selected were mostly sons of well off and well-educated parents. No one else looked like her or lived how she lived, so she didn’t show up for the test. No student should limit their academic options simply because they don’t see a role model who looks like them or walked a similar path.

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Elise Bernardoni

Elise Bernardoni

Education

How I got here: I’m an educator with over 20 years’ experience in formal and informal education. I spent the past 15 years at Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) managing every type of education program imaginable, including camps, classes, overnights, birthday parties, field trips, and teen volunteers. I also served as the FONZ Conservation Grant administrator for four years, providing critical funding to Smithsonian zookeepers and scientists. I am an instructor for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) professional development courses Conservation Education: Effective Program Design and Managing for Success: Career Development. I’m excited to join Conservation Nation and help break down barriers within education and career paths so that individuals can achieve their personal and professional dreams as conservationists.

Favorite animal: Cuttlefish! I love cephalopods, and cuttlefish are without a doubt my favorite.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: My career path to conservation hasn’t been a straight line. I always loved animals and the outdoors. When deciding my career in high school I didn’t think that I fit into wildlife sciences, so I opted for a degree in the arts (equally challenging and fulfilling in different ways). I am passionate about increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in conservation careers so that all conservationists can be seen, heard, welcomed, and feel safe within their chosen professions.

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Mark Ibrahim

Mark Ibrahim

Technology

How I got here: I’m a web developer with over 15 years’ experience working as a freelancer and with non-profit organizations. I joined Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) in 2014 where I developed and managed FONZ content on the National Zoo’s website, helped customize several CRMs and websites, and tried to make sense of the analytics. Although I enjoyed working on all projects at FONZ, my most rewarding time came when I had the opportunity to collaborate with the designers and marketing department to develop the Conservation Nation website. Focusing on conservationists and their work in the field has always been important to me.

Favorite animal: Terrapin. Go Terps!

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: As a Washington, DC area native, I grew up loving nature and wildlife. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and, after a brief time in the for-profit world, spent a year as a FONZ volunteer at the Zoo’s Invertebrates Exhibit while conducting native bee research with the USGS at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. I’ve always enjoyed conservation science, but my career path veered, and I found myself back in school studying digital design. The new vision for Conservation Nation is one that I relate to, and I’m fortunate that I can apply my professional experience toward giving future conservationists the opportunities to help save wildlife.

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Joanna Levi

Joanna Levi

People

How I got here: I am an HR professional with over 30 years’ experience in full cycle Human Resources. I’ve spent the past 14 years at Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) managing Human Resources programs including recruiting, onboarding, training, employee rewards and relations. I served on the Diversity and Inclusion committee at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and spent many years at a prestigious law firm. I am an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Favorite animal: Cheetahs. Did you know Cheetahs chirp like a bird?!

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: As a Biology major, I always knew I wanted to work saving wildlife. Nature and conservation have been an interest of mine since I was a child when I volunteered at my veterinarian’s office and fed wildlife in my backyard. Because I know first-hand the challenges of exposing the youth to careers in wildlife, I am passionate about preparing young conservationists from underserved communities to the careers of their dreams. I’m excited to join Conservation Nation to continue my mission of introducing wildlife conservation to those who may otherwise not have the opportunity.

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Tricia Reilly Koch

Tricia Reilly Koch

Partnerships Consultant

How I got here: I’m an entrepreneur who has worked for over twenty years to inspire individuals and businesses to make positive change in their health and wellness. The reverence for holistic living and the outdoors I developed growing up in Southern California became a guiding force in my parenting and then in my business. In my role as cofounder of BB&R Consulting, I’ve organized large-scale wellness events, created a podcast with health expert interviews and mindfulness experiences, and developed an online mindfulness training designed to transform workplaces. I love the entrepreneurial spirit of Conservation Nation and am excited to bring my expertise building brands and leading start-ups to this important mission.

Favorite Animal: Wolves. Theirs is a matriarchal society, and they are collaborative, fierce, and loyal.

Special Passion For Conservation Nation’s Mission: I care deeply about the health of the planet, which dramatically influences our personal health and wellness. Nature truly is our best teacher. We need to cultivate mindfulness to help us reach our personal health goals and our goals for our environment, which are intimately connected. The ecosystem is dependent on each spoke! I’m thrilled to be able to connect my passion for health and wellness with the mission to bring everyone onto a level playing field. I’m especially interested in working with young women and making a difference through the microgrants. It’s an honor to have this opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals, animals, and our natural world.

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Debby Sayell

Debby Sayell

Technology

How I got here: I am an operations & IT professional with over 25 years’ experience in non-profit project and systems management, organizational strategy execution and technical implementation, and maintenance. I brought that experience to FONZ 7 years ago after a career that focused on health care administration, global non-profits like United Way Worldwide, and product design and fulfillment companies like Sales Service America. My intention, regardless of the role, is to ensure leadership’s vision and strategy is brought to life by supporting every member of my team with the best tools and systems available and ensuring the organization is well prepared to achieve its goals.

Favorite animal: I have always loved big cats, but my favorite by far are Tigers.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: To ensure that all big cats, a keystone species in ecosystems across the globe, have a planet that is safe and healthy for them not to just survive, but thrive.

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Kate Sizemore

Kathleen Sizemore

Operations

How I got here: As a Southern California native, I graduated from college and said, “I’m going to Disneyland.” I stayed for 11 years and worked in all operational areas while focusing on people and processes. Eventually, I pursued an MBA in International Business which led to adventures in technology, finance, retail, and higher education. I was fortunate to live in the UK and work all over the globe before settling in DC with my husband, son, and rescue dog. I wanted to take everything I learned about for-profit enterprise and apply it to a non-profit mission. Working for Friends of the National Zoo allowed me to follow my passion for both organizational development and wildlife conservation. I am sure that leading operations for Conservation Nation will be my best adventure, yet!

Favorite animal: Elephants. Simply majestic.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: As an entry-level professional, I volunteered with the Youth Motivation Task Force expecting that I would share the importance of a high school diploma with at-risk students. I did not expect that the students would teach me so much. I learned the importance of inspiration for young people and that representation matters more than I imagined. I love that we are working to engage youth and to ensure that all voices are heard—all towards the goal of saving endangered wildlife. I believe that my son’s generation can save the planet if all of his peers have the opportunity to contribute.

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T'Noya Thompson

T'Noya Thompson

Conservation

How I got here: I am a wildlife conservationist with over 27 years of experience. At 12, I spent the summer volunteering at an aquarium in the Bahamas and never looked back. I began my career at Moody Gardens in the animal care department. I served in several roles, including zookeeping and connecting with communities for 12 years. After Moody Gardens, I worked at Galveston Bay Foundation for two and a half years as the Advocacy Programs Manager. There I educated and encouraged action to improve the overall health of Galveston Bay, Texas’ largest estuary. In 2019, I joined NAAEE as the EE Specialist and then became the Manager of Research, Evaluation, and eeBLUE—a five-year partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As I pursue a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, I am transitioning into various consulting roles and projects. In addition, I am serving on boards and committees dedicated to conservation work. I am excited to be a part of the Conservation Nation team in this career chapter!

Favorite Animal: Whale shark—majestic, gentle giants.

Special Passion For Conservation Nation’s Mission: Specifically, I have intentionally worked on my growth and development to be a more well-rounded conservationist over the past seven years. I am nowhere done with my learning, but I am excited to apply what I have learned to support wildlife conservation, habitats, and communities. Moreover, my love for people, places, and wildlife fuels me to support the next generation of conservation leaders to continue this vital work. Conservation Nation’s mission aligns with the many lessons I have learned over the years and the African proverb that rings true, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

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Susan Winslow

Susan Winslow

Grants

How I got here: I joined Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) in 2017 after working as a Director of Creative Services and Marketing Manager for several national advertising agencies for almost 22 years. I had been volunteering for a decade with FONZ with a focus on helping visitors understand and appreciate cheetahs when the opportunity to connect my passion for animals with my career path aligned to be the perfect match! At FONZ, I helped manage the marketing and communications program, but my greatest joy was overseeing the Conservation Nation grant program and working with conservationists around the world to protect wildlife. I’m thrilled to now be expanding this mission.

Favorite animal: Has to be a cheetah! 

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: I’ve always loved animals.  From volunteering with conservation organizations, to traveling around the world to see animals in their natural habitat, to helping raise money to save them, they have always had a special place in my heart.  I am alarmed by the dramatic decline of not only the cheetah but of so many other animals as they struggle to co-exist with humans. The only way we can reverse this saddening trend is to get more people involved.  I know that the more people we have in the fight, the better chance we have of saving animals from extinction. It doesn’t matter where we come from or how we get there, but all of us, in our unique way, can become wildlife champions.

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Susan Winslow

Susan Winslow

Grants

How I got here: I joined Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) in 2017 after working as a Director of Creative Services and Marketing Manager for several national advertising agencies for almost 22 years. I had been volunteering for a decade with FONZ with a focus on helping visitors understand and appreciate cheetahs when the opportunity to connect my passion for animals with my career path aligned to be the perfect match! At FONZ, I helped manage the marketing and communications program, but my greatest joy was overseeing the Conservation Nation grant program and working with conservationists around the world to protect wildlife. I’m thrilled to now be expanding this mission.

Favorite animal: Has to be a cheetah! 

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: I’ve always loved animals.  From volunteering with conservation organizations, to traveling around the world to see animals in their natural habitat, to helping raise money to save them, they have always had a special place in my heart.  I am alarmed by the dramatic decline of not only the cheetah but of so many other animals as they struggle to co-exist with humans. The only way we can reverse this saddening trend is to get more people involved.  I know that the more people we have in the fight, the better chance we have of saving animals from extinction. It doesn’t matter where we come from or how we get there, but all of us, in our unique way, can become wildlife champions.

Linkedin
Lynn Mento

Lynn Mento

Co-CEO

How I got here: I ran Friends of the National Zoo as the first female leader in its 63-year history from 2015 until the separation from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 2021. Prior to FONZ, I led several groups at AARP, ran a marketing agency in DC, and started my career in advertising in New York City. In 2016, my team and I began Conservation Nation as an initiative to provide grants to Smithsonian conservation scientists working to save threatened wildlife around the globe. I’m thrilled we’ve evolved that initiative into our new Conservation Nation organization today.

Favorite animal: The cassowary, for sure.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Beyond a desire to help endangered animals, my mom is my passion. She was the child of very poor Italian immigrants and spoke no English when she started school – but she loved math and was brilliant at it. In high school, she was one of a handful of students selected to take a test to go to MIT. But the other students selected were mostly sons of well off and well-educated parents. No one else looked like her or lived how she lived, so she didn’t show up for the test. No student should limit their academic options simply because they don’t see a role model who looks like them or walked a similar path.

Tricia Reilly Koch

Tricia Reilly Koch

Co-CEO

How I got here: I’m a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of building mission-driven businesses. I’m excited to bring this energy to Conservation Nation, where I’ll be leveraging my experience to support the mission of protecting the planet and its biodiversity. Well-being is at the core of everything I do, and to me, it’s not just about individual health—it’s about creating a balance between mind, body, and the environment. True well-being comes when we align personal health with the health of the world around us. We thrive when we nurture the earth, and in return, the earth nurtures us. This is the foundation of my work in wellness and now, in conservation.

Favorite Animal: I love dolphins. I love their intelligence, their playfulness and their deep social bonds. They embody the freedom and beauty of the ocean, reminding us why protecting marine life and their habitats is so vital. This work aligns so beautifully with Conservation Nation’s mission.

Special Passion For Conservation Nation’s Mission: Well-being doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s intricately tied to the health of the planet. Clean air, water, and food all come from healthy ecosystems. Biodiversity is the foundation of a flourishing world, and when species are lost, ecosystems suffer and so do we. By protecting biodiversity, we safeguard our own future. Conservation isn’t just about saving individual species; it’s about preserving the interconnected web of life that sustains us all.
I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to Conservation Nation, to expand its reach and impact, and to strengthen the vital link between human well-being and planetary health. By working together, we can ensure that the planet—and the people on it—thrive.

Doro Bush Koch

Co-Founder

How I got here: As a co-founder of BB&R (Bright Bold & Real) with Tricia Reilly Koch, I’ve spent over two decades helping individuals understand and integrate holistic health into their lives, including co-hosting our Health Gig podcast where we’ve engaged in insightful conversations with leading authors, doctors, and wellness experts. I’ve also been deeply committed to education as the Honorary Chairman of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, helping families and communities nationwide build brighter futures through literacy education.

Several years ago, it became so clear to us that it’s simply not possible to achieve optimal personal health while the planet’s health is in peril. Tricia and I have long believed that we are all one with nature and that nature heals, provides, and sustains us. When we looked at how the loss of wildlife and their ecosystems is fraying the life-giving web of biodiversity we realized that our optimal health work needed to expand to sit at the holistic intersection of personal wellbeing, planetary wellbeing, and reconnecting with nature (particularly for our children). There’s such a deep connection between human health, nature, and the preservation of wildlife – and this is becoming more and more important. That’s why I became a co-founder of Conservation Nation and I’m so proud of the work we’ve been doing to save biodiversity, educate, and provide access to nature for all children.

My favorite animal: I love all animals, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the elephant. They’re intelligent, emotional, and vital to their ecosystems. Their strength, wisdom, and social bonds reflect the interconnectedness we need in conservation and life.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: I’m hugely passionate about this intersection of personal health and planetary health. And I’m equally passionate about helping all children have access to the educational sparks that can inspire lifelong change, whether that’s literacy through my mom’s foundation or STEM education through Conservation Nation. Looking back, I suppose my passion comes from my early years spending time outdoors on the coast of Maine with my family, and the strong belief that was passed on that education is the key to thriving and that every child deserves access to that same key.

Jocelyn Marquez

Jocelyn Marquez

Program Assistant

How I got here: My path to Conservation Nation began in middle school in Mexico City, where I witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of pollution on potable water and air quality. Around that time, climate change became a growing topic of conversation, and it sparked a deep interest in environmental issues and conservation. I pursued this passion academically, earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology from The George Washington University. During my Master’s, my research focused on how climate change affects pests on organic farms in Virginia, and I shared the findings with local farmers. Following that, I joined the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Climate Fellow, facilitating collaboration between the agency and the U.S. Army to assess climate hazard impacts on military bases in the Southwest. I presented to national-level stakeholders and regularly collaborated with military staff to protect wildlife on their lands. Now at Conservation Nation, I’m excited to keep working at the intersection of science, conservation, and community—making sure more people from diverse backgrounds are part of the conversation.

Favorite animal: My favorite animal is constantly changing as I learn more about the natural world, but right now, I’d say it’s the bumblebee. They’re incredibly important pollinators, playing a key role in ecosystems and food production—and there’s still so much to discover about their species and diversity.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Throughout my education, I’ve benefited from programs created for underrepresented communities—experiences that deeply shaped who I am today. That’s why Conservation Nation’s mission really resonates with me. When I learn about initiatives like Teen Leaders in Conservation, I see a younger version of myself in those students. I also truly believe that advancing global conservation requires diverse voices and lived experiences. Conservation has to be intersectional—there’s space for everyone in this work, and we’re stronger because of it!

Jamie Palumbo

Jamie Palumbo

Collective

How I got here: I am a nonprofit management professional with fifteen years of experience in board and advisory council support, project management, and stewardship. Prior to joining Conservation Nation, I served as the Senior Advisory Council Liaison for America250 (A250) where I worked to develop an advisory council program designed to ensure the nation’s top experts and community leaders had a voice in the planning of America’s 250th anniversary. I am returning to Conservation Nation after previously serving as the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) Culture & Board Relations Manager where I was able to contribute to our conservation mission by supporting the FONZ Board, advancing team culture efforts, and project managing cross-organizational initiatives. Prior to my time at FONZ, I spent five years supporting the Graduate Dean of Arts & Sciences at the George Washington University while also completing my master’s in public policy. I began my career as a Development Associate and Board Liaison at Progressive Maryland working on issues related to healthcare access and increased living wages. Originally from New Jersey, I am now a long-time resident of the Washington, DC area.

Favorite animal: I would have to say the fennec fox. Their giant ears are both adorable and critical to their survival as they help them find prey and regulate their temperature out in the desert.

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Growing up in a coastal town in NJ, the natural world, and the impact I have upon it, has always been a large part of my life. It has led me to participate in dune grass plantings and beach clean-ups as a child and then more significantly to incorporating a focus on the environment into my studies in college and graduate school. I recognize how lucky I am to have had that connection to the environment from an early age and am excited to be joining a team that is dedicated to both addressing critical conservation issues and inspiring that connection through its work.

Taylor Rabe

Taylor Rabe

Education and Engagement Facilitator

How I got here: I am a full-time biological science technician with the Yellowstone Wolf, Cougar and Elk Project. I’ve always had an extreme passion for wildlife, and have spent time exploring the globe searching for critters. After working as a naturalist in Yellowstone for a few years, I was honored to be announced Conservation Nation’s inaugural fellow. I have been supported and encouraged by Conservation Nation over the years, and they’re the reason I’m living my dream, and studying gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

Favorite animal: African Wild Dogs

Special passion for Conservation Nation’s mission: Growing up, I’d always dreamt of studying animals. However, I never saw anyone who looked like me. I love that Conservation Nation strives to bring in underrepresented communities into the conservation field, and I love that I get to be a part of that. I appreciate their willingness to put their money where their mouth is by encouraging and inspiring younger generations to get out and be involved in wildlife, despite what someone might look like, or their socioeconomic status.

Lacey Tilley

Principal Advisor

How I Got Here: I am the proud principal of Barbara Bush Middle School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where I am entering my fourth year as campus leader. My journey began as a high school math teacher and cheerleading coach, followed by five years as an assistant principal at both elementary and middle school levels. With over a decade of experience in public education, I’ve always been passionate about expanding access and opportunities for students—especially in areas where they’ve been historically underrepresented, like conservation, STEM, and environmental education.

At Bush Middle School, I helped launch the first-ever middle school partnership with Conservation Nation. Together, we created a schoolwide conservation lesson and hosted an inspiring assembly featuring Conservation Nation scientists. This experience sparked curiosity, purpose, and possibility for our students—helping them see themselves in conservation and scientific careers in new and exciting ways.

Favorite Animal: The Otter
Otters are playful, resourceful, and community-minded—traits I deeply admire.
Fun facts about otters:

  • They hold hands while they sleep to keep from drifting apart, a behavior called a “raft.”
  • Otters use rocks as tools to crack open shells, showing creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • They play an essential role in their ecosystems by keeping sea urchin populations in check, which helps protect kelp forests.

Special Passion for Conservation Nation’s Mission: What excites me most about Conservation Nation is its power to connect young people with conservation in ways that feel personal, meaningful, and transformative. I believe every student deserves the chance to discover their passions and see themselves as future scientists, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Conservation Nation makes this possible by opening doors for students who may never have imagined a place for themselves in conservation. I am honored to serve as a liaison—bringing these experiences to classrooms and helping students see that they, too, can make a difference in protecting our planet.