Our team
Meet the heart and soul of the African Wildlife Initiative
Dr. Nia Mwangi is the visionary behind the African Wildlife Initiative, bringing over 15 years of experience in wildlife biology, community-based conservation, and environmental education. Born in a rural village near the Maasai Mara, Nia witnessed firsthand the rapid changes in land use, species decline, and shifting cultural attitudes toward nature during her childhood. This early exposure ignited a lifelong commitment to both science and storytelling. She earned her Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town, where her research focused on human-elephant conflict mitigation and the role of traditional knowledge in predator management. After working with international NGOs such as the Wildlife Conservation Society and IUCN, Nia recognized that long-term conservation success required a generational shift in awareness—one that could only be achieved by engaging children early. In 2015, she co-founded the African Wildlife Initiative, driven by the belief that “if a child learns to love an elephant at age four, they will fight to save one at age 24.”
Dr. Nia Mwangi
Founder & Lead Conservation Scientist
Ethan Reed
Co-Founder & Director of Education Programs
Ethan Reed is the educational architect of the African Wildlife Initiative, combining a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a profound passion for global environmental issues. As a former public school teacher in New York City, Ethan saw how few resources existed to teach young children about international conservation—especially through engaging, developmentally appropriate methods. After traveling to Kenya to volunteer on a reforestation project, he collaborated with Dr. Mwangi to design the first version of our “Little Guardians” curriculum, blending Reggio-inspired pedagogy with conservation storytelling. Today, Ethan leads the development of all educational materials, including digital platforms, print resources, and teacher training programs. He is known for his ability to simplify complex topics—like climate change or biodiversity loss—into age-appropriate narratives that spark curiosity and compassion.
Dr. Amina Diallo brings a unique blend of sociocultural anthropology, environmental justice, and grassroots organizing to the African Wildlife Initiative. Hailing from Côte d’Ivoire, Amina spent a decade working with indigenous communities across West and Central Africa, studying how traditional ecological knowledge can inform modern conservation strategies. Her groundbreaking research on women-led reforestation initiatives in the Taï National Park has been widely cited, and she is a recognized advocate for gender equity in conservation leadership. At AWI, Amina leads our community outreach, coordinating partnerships with schools, NGOs, and tribal councils in 10 African countries. She ensures that our programs are co-created with local communities, not imposed from the outside. Her team trains local educators to deliver our curriculum in culturally relevant ways, incorporating indigenous languages, folklore, and community values.
Dr. Amina Diallo
Director of Community Engagement & International Partnerships
Join us
Be part of Our team
The African Wildlife Initiative is more than an organization—it’s a global community of learners, educators, families, and conservationists united by a shared mission: to protect Africa’s irreplaceable wildlife and ensure a sustainable future for all. Families can enroll children in our programs, attend workshops, or participate in our annual “Global Wildlife Week,” where children from over 40 countries connect for shared conservation projects. Educators can access our free curriculum, join our teacher network, or apply for grants to fund classroom conservation initiatives. Students can join our Youth Conservation Council, design advocacy campaigns, or compete in our “Save the Savanna” science fair. Professionals can volunteer their skills—whether in marketing, finance, law, or technology—to support our operations and scale our impact.
How You Can Help
Become a Champion for African Wildlife
Every act of support, no matter the size, creates a ripple effect that strengthens our conservation efforts across the continent. Whether you can contribute your time, your professional skills, or your financial support, you are a vital part of the solution. Here are some of the most impactful ways you can join our mission and make a tangible difference for the animals and habitats we strive to protect.
Donate or Fundraise Your financial contribution directly supports our on-the-ground operations, from anti-poaching patrols to habitat restoration and community education. Consider making a one-time gift, becoming a recurring monthly donor in our ‘Guardian Circle’ for sustained impact, or sponsoring a specific project like a ranger’s equipment for a year. You can also launch your own fundraiser for a birthday, marathon, or community event to rally your network for the cause.
Volunteer Your Skills Your professional expertise is one of the most valuable assets you can offer. We are always seeking skilled volunteers to support our core operations. If you have a background in marketing, graphic design, grant writing, finance, law, or technology, your pro-bono support can help us scale our impact, reach new audiences, and operate more efficiently. Visit our volunteer page to see current needs and submit an application.
Advocate and Spread the Word Awareness is the first step toward action. You can be a powerful ambassador for Africa’s wildlife right from your own home. Follow us on social media and share our stories with your network. Use our free curriculum to educate your children or local community group about the importance of conservation. Host a small screening of a wildlife documentary or start a book club focused on conservation to spark conversation and inspire others.
Email: info@awlife.site
Office Address: 1500 E Scotwood Dr, Wasilla, Alaska 99654, US
Mailing Address (Kenya): PO Box 12345, Nairobi, Kenya