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What achievement in your career are you most proud of?  

My greatest achievement has been contributing towards a new rural development project to preserve biodiversity and improve local communities' well-being. Observing the results firsthand allowed me to see how challenging the living conditions of local populations remain despite the project's intervention. It taught me that the residents share our commitment to environmental preservation, although their circumstances push them to expand their farming areas. My recommendations to support households while minimising environmental impact were validated and used as a guideline for future rural development projects in Madagascar, which fills me with immense pride and motivation. 

Have you overcome any obstacles in your career?  

Being a woman working in the field has challenges, such as energy and logistical and financial obstacles, which have sometimes hindered me. However, the most significant challenge is undoubtedly the insecurity caused by "dahalo," which are organised criminal gangs, especially in the very remote areas of Madagascar. In my previous position, before I joined Durrell, there were moments when I had to go into the field to assess projects. Unfortunately, at those times, frequent attacks by "dahalo," accompanied by murders, kidnappings, and death sentences, occurred in the districts I visited. Initially, facing these situations frightened me. However, my passion for my work, dedication, and vision for the future helped me discover a capacity for resilience and adaptation in the face of these adversities. 

What advice would you give to women looking to get into a similar career?  

Go and grab such chances! It can be competitive but be persistent and push through challenges. You can build diverse skills by gaining hands-on experience like volunteer work, internships, or research opportunities. We have very few women working as bird guides in northeast India. It would be great to encourage local women into these roles as they have so much knowledge and a love for their rich heritage, and this line of work allows you to earn a good living. Listen to your mind and never let anybody tell you that you can’t do something. 

Are there any women role models who inspire you and why?

Many women from my family, my friends, women working in wildlife conservation, women in history and novels have left me with various impressions towards life. I have two main role models, my mum and granny, who inspire me greatly. I wish to be calm and work well under pressure with a happy face like my mother. I also want to be as brave and wise as my grandmother, who married awfully young and took on many responsibilities in a stranger’s house but managed to run a large family household perfectly. She has shown me that knowledge can be built and delivered without a formal education.

What sparked your passion for wildlife?

I have always had a real love for animals, going back as far as I can remember. This has morphed over the years from wanting to be a vet, working with rescue animals, studying primates and working in a small zoo specialising in UK native animals, which grew into a passion for British wildlife and conservation. I love to hike and spend time in the countryside, and it is obvious that we have lost important species, and that the UK’s biodiversity is deteriorating at an alarming rate. I feel the work Durrell is now doing in the UK can have a huge impact on improving this and any way I get to play a part in this is wonderful.  

Have you overcome any obstacles in your career?

I’ve been through a few twists and turns to get to where I am today, with both highs and lows. The main obstacle I have had to deal with has mainly been my own lack of self-confidence and occasionally the odd challenging character along the way who knocked my confidence. Imposter syndrome is real! But remember that even the most confident of people doubt themselves at times, even if it doesn’t seem that way, so have faith in your own skills and abilities. Luckily, with the support of some fantastic managers and mentors, I am now able to face those difficulties and find the positives instead.