On International Volunteer Day, environmental charity Emirates Nature-WWF marked a major step towards people-led conservation with the launch of its first Leaders of Change Advisory Committee. Created for people, by people, the committee brings together ten exceptional Leaders of Change – elected by the wider volunteer community – who will help guide programme design, deepen community engagement, and amplify collective impact for nature across the UAE.
The Advisory Committee elevates experienced volunteers — each of whom has contributed more than 24 hours of hands-on service — into meaningful leadership roles. Their involvement strengthens community ownership, ensures the programme reflects volunteer voices, and drives a stronger, more resilient model of civil mobilization in conservation.
Arabella Willing, Head of Conservation Outreach & Citizen Science at Emirates Nature-WWF commented : “Leaders of Change has always been powered by a community of passionate people taking meaningful action for nature together. By giving volunteers a platform to lead through the launch of the Advisory Committee, we hope to see an ever greater ripple effect — members are now shaping the future of the programme and inspiring even more people to get involved.”
Committee members expressed the significance of this new opportunity:
Aaesha Alshehyari shared: “Being part of Leaders of Change helped me discover how much I could contribute. Joining the Advisory Committee showed me I could also guide others. It’s meaningful to help shape a programme that gives people real skills, purpose and confidence.”
Mara Carpencu said: “Volunteering started as a personal passion, but it quickly became something bigger. The Advisory Committee gives us space to bring new ideas forward and ensure every workshop and field activity feels inspiring and impactful.”
Andrea D’Ettorre added: “We each bring different strengths, and that’s what makes this committee powerful. Together, we can elevate the experience for everyone and help the programme reach more people across the UAE.”
The ten committee members were elected by the 5,000+ active members of the Leaders of Change community, which includes professionals, families and youth who regularly participate in conservation activities and citizen science efforts across the UAE.
The ten Advisory Committee members were elected by the wider Leaders of Change community, which includes 5,000+ active volunteers – professionals, families and youth – who regularly participate in conservation activities and citizen science efforts to protect the UAE’s natural environment.
Inaugural Advisory Committee Roles
- Committee Co-Chairs: Sophie Cauvin & Ivana Lakic
- Storytelling & Media Leads: Mara Carpencu & Rohail Akbar
- Health, Safety & Quality Leads: Aida Othman & Aesha Alsheyari
- Innovation & Activities Advisors: Parinita Manikandan & Tejasvi Prakash
- Operations & Programme Support: Andrea D’Ettorre & Judy Mahfouz
Together, they bring a vibrant mix of backgrounds – from beekeepers to youth advocates, photographers to architects, turtle patrollers and data enthusiasts – reflecting the rich diversity of the community that powers Leaders of Change.
Learn more about Leaders of Change at https://www
leadersofchange.ae/