In my line of work, I have spent a lot of time engaging with local communities, especially indigenous groups. Being able to live alongside these families and see how they go about life, how they treat one another and their connection to nature has probably had the most profound impact on me. It gives me perspective on how we can get back to a place of taking care of one another and taking care of wilderness and nature.
My guest on the podcast today is Jennifer Palmer, a wildlife biologist, women’s empowerment advocate and mindful traveler and I cannot tell you how excited I am to have Jen on the show. Not only is she a passionate wildlife and nature lover, Jen is also the founder of an initiative called Women for Wildlife, an international movement to support, empower and unite women and girls around the world devoted to wildlife and conservation. She has spearheaded several ‘Girls in Science’ programs and is an active advocate and spokeswoman for women and girls in science.
Being a wildlife biologist and working out in the field, Jen is currently a 100% nomadic and when I asked her how she balances all the things in her life she said that balance for her is in managing all the different priorities that change upon any given day. Somedays she is in the driver’s seat and everything is in control and other days nothing seems to be as it appears. On such days getting out in nature always gets her centered and grounded.
Of course, being a wildlife biologist, you know I had to ask her what her favorite animal was. Can you guess what she said? She said, “For me, elephants always hold an extra special place in my heart. We have so much to learn from them, their social structures, the way that they care for and interact with each other and with nature. Just watching them fills my heart with hope for humanity, if we do things right.” Having seen elephants in the wild, let me tell you I can complete attest to what Jen says. They really are extra special.
Jen is an amazing woman, conservationist, change maker and all round nature lover and I know you are going to enjoy getting to know Jen on this episode of CulturallyOurs. And be sure to check out Women For Wildlife for ways you can get involved with wildlife conservation if that is something you are passionate about.
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