National Geographic: Feeding The Planet Through Communities and Storytelling
Combating food insecurity and protecting the environment are deeply connected goals that rely on healthy ecosystems and conservation. Educating communities teaches individuals to make informed decisions and take action, both individually and collectively, to impact society and protect the planet. National Geographic Education works at the nexus of science and storytelling to push the boundaries of research and practice to improve scientific outcomes and drive new knowledge for sustainable, resilient, longer-term conservation efforts.
Speakers
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Fay GoreDeputy to the Chief Education Officer and Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Grants, and Educator InitiativesFay Gore
Deputy to the Chief Education Officer and Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Grants, and Educator Initiatives
Fay Gore is an educator with 27 years of experience who is passionate about equipping learners of all ages with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary to protect our world. She currently serves as a strategic thought partner to the Chief Education Officer at the National Geographic Society. In this role, she leads the Education Division’s educator-focused initiatives, bringing the work of scientists, educators, and storytellers to classrooms and communities worldwide.
Over the course of her career, Fay has held various positions, including director of K-12 Social Studies at U.S state education agency, independent education consultant for international and American overseas schools, assessment consultant, and high school social studies teacher.
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Dr. Paula KahumbuWildlife Conservationist, National Geographic ExplorerDr. Paula Kahumbu
Wildlife Conservationist, National Geographic Explorer
Dr. Paula Kahumbu is a renowned Kenyan ecologist, elephant expert, and CEO of WildlifeDirect. Paula is a key contributor of the HANDS OFF OUR ELEPHANTS, a is widely recognized for its singular successes in advocacy and the engagement of people in Kenya to support the protection of elephants. Kahumbu received a special commendation from the United Nations for her critical role in creating awareness and mobilizing action around the crisis facing elephants in Kenya. Kahumbu was named the 2021 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year and served as the primary guide and scientific advisor for the National Geographic four-part docuseries Secrets of the Elephants.
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Dr. Cátia DombaxeScientist, National Geographic ExplorerDr. Cátia Dombaxe
Scientist, National Geographic Explorer
Dr. Cátia Dombaxe is an Angolan scientist, entrepreneur and storyteller dedicated to advancing STEM education and women’s empowerment across Sub-Saharan Africa. She is now completing her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Cornell University, where her research focuses on developing biomaterial-based therapies for spinal cord injury. Dombaxe is also the founder and CEO of the STEAMpact Foundation. Through the foundation, Dombaxe equips underserved youth and educators in Angola with hands-on STEM tools and promotes sustainability and addresses local challenges such as water quality and promoting agriculture through soil quality analytics.