Protecting Australia’s biodiversity is a critical global concern.
Recently, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC)-USA team, led by Anne Krumme and joined by AWC CEO Tim Allard, traveled the US to connect with supporters and build relationships with like-minded conservation leaders. We continue to focus on expanding AWC’s reach and fostering relationships that strengthen our mission to protect Australian wildlife and ecosystems.
Anne Krumme/AWCNYC kickoff: A night of new connections and new commitments
Our trip launched with an event at Macquarie’s new NYC headquarters. With nearly 60 attendees, hosted by AWC-USA new board member Joanne Pickhaver, the evening was filled with meaningful introductions and stories of Australia’s remarkable landscapes and species. Thanks to Macquarie for hosting the event and matching donations made on the night.
Alongside the event, we met with John Berry, President of the (AAA), exploring avenues for collaboration and introductions to potential supporters. We also partnered with Josh Pugh, founder of a New Yorkers network for new Australian arrivals, who arranged a coffee and hike meetup in Central Park, bringing 15 Aussie expats, widening our NYC circle of AWC friends.
San Francisco: Building on common ground
Next, we headed to San Francisco, where we connected with Jim Sano, travel lead for WWF, for a walk through the iconic Presidio. This meeting focused on best practices and discussions around increasing visitation to AWC’s sanctuaries-an endeavor aimed at sharing the value of Australian wildlife with the broader public.
We also met with Scott Sampson, CEO of the California Academy of Sciences, to discuss growth strategies and potential collaborative efforts, especially around our shared interests in rewilding programs. Additionally, we spent time with partners from Conservation International, learning about their work in Australia and brainstorming ways to synergize our efforts to protect wildlife and ecosystems.
Los Angeles finale: Engaging leaders across film, TV, finance, and strengthening diplomatic ties
Our final stop was Los Angeles, where we met with prospective donors and influential figures from a range of industries, including leaders in film, television, and finance. Engaging individuals from these sectors, including RedBird Group and Carlyle, allowed us to explore innovative funding opportunities and deepen awareness of conservation issues ithin the entertainment industry-a powerful platform for amplifying AWC’s mission to a global audience.
We concluded the LA segment with a meeting with Tanya Bennett, Australia’s new Consul General in Los Angeles. Together, we explored potential avenues for building a strong conservation community, locally and internationally. Since her appointment, Tanya has been developing connections with Native American tribes in the area, laying a strong foundation for collaborative efforts in conservation. This partnership marks an exciting step forward as we align on shared goals of environmental preservation and cultural respect.
We’re energized by the connections made and excited to see where they lead.
