On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we highlight the work of Anna, Francis, Sofía, and Yamira from the Mesoamerica and Caribbean program of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Their sensitivity and passion exemplify a commitment to nature, communities, and wildlife. At WCS, we take pride in having a strong team of women in the field of science.
Get to know them!
Anna Lello-Smith / WCS Mesoamérica y el Caribe
“I support and advance WCS Mesoamerica & Western Caribbean’s bird-based research and conservation programs, which include single species conservation, like our work to protect the threatened Mesoamerican subspecies of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao cyanoptera), as well as protection and restoration of vulnerable tropical forest and coastal habitats to conserve entire communities of forest-dependent birds and declining shorebirds. We build in-region capacity for bird research and conservation, work with rural and Indigenous communities to restore key bird habitat, and collaborate with partners across the Americas to protect shared migratory birds that depend on our focal landscapes during their non-breeding season.”
Francis Lean / WCS Honduras-Nicaragua
“I am an Environmental Sciences Engineer with a master's degree in urban environmental management and I currently serve as the Binational Marine Coordinator at WCS. My work focuses on leading the marine conservation program in Honduras and Nicaragua, through the development and implementation of strategies adapted to the priorities of each country, and collaborating closely with indigenous communities, local organizations, and governments. Our focus is to strengthen marine protection and conservation, through effective participation of local communities and research. My goal is to contribute to the protection and conservation of marine ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for communities and biodiversity in the region.”
Sofía Rosales / WCS Guatemala
"I am a Guatemalan biologist with a master's degree in wildlife management and conservation, currently playing the role of Guatemala programme officer at WCS. I am part of the management team, acting as an essential liaison between the general management of the country programme and the different technical departments of WCS. My work involves coordinating processes for the development and implementation of activities in various projects, ranging from wildlife monitoring, landscape restoration to control and protection, as well as combating wildlife trafficking, among other aspects. In addition, my responsibility includes ensuring that reports accurately reflect the quality of field work, contributing significantly to the protection and preservation of the rich biodiversity present in Guatemala."
Yamira Fuentes / WCS Belize
“I am a Natural Resources Manager and researcher, I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Project Management. In the last 7 years I have been working as the Technical Assistant, Terrestrial for WCS Belize, where much of my focus had been on capacity building with our stakeholders, training and implementation of SMART and my special interest-research on the Critically Endangered Central American Turtle (Hicatee/Tortuga Blanca). I have recently transitioned to Technical Coordinator for Counter Wildlife Trafficking in the Belize program. In this capacity I work with our regional programs to continue to foster WCS relationships with our government partners, non-governmental organizations and communities to tackle the issues, build capacity and develop strategies on Illegal Wildlife Trade for Belize. In addition, WCS research on the Central American River Turtle in the Belize Maya Forest Corridor. My goal is to continue working with our partners and stakeholders to ensure the conservation and protection of our natural resources, inspire young women to take an active role in the field and be a role model for my daughter to appreciate our natural resources.”