Raina Welling

Passionate leader driven by unique lifetime of professional experience surrounded by wildlife in a
diverse range of settings. My overall ambition throughout accomplishing each endeavor is to protect
endangered species and share my efforts through education for others to have an opportunity to open
their perspectives on these precedent issues and deepen their environmental cognition. I was initially exposed to wildlife rehabilitation at the age of five when my mother and I saved an orphaned fledgling. The memory of releasing the bird back into its natural habitat is where my passion for conservation originated. My purpose wasn’t fully understood until much later during my undergraduate studies when I realized my inability to prioritize one area of research and my confidence to speak up when faced with opposing perspectives that misconstrued the depiction of certain species and exploited ecosystems. Which led me to be the first in my program to choose two of out the three focuses, Wildlife Ecology and Management, as well as Biodiversity and Conservation Biology. This was unambiguous evidence that my purpose in this field is to pave the way in our conservation efforts by sharing my infectious passion with others and bring outreach opportunities in the field where people can learn firsthand the precedence of human activity that threatens the biodiversity populating our earth. As a first-generation student and only child, instigating new, unexpected endeavors comes naturally to me. Inspired through my relationship with the world around me, there was never a shed of doubt that my future would revolve around nature. The unwavering personal responsibility I appointed on myself early on set me apart from others. The basic consideration to acknowledge the value of all living organisms that are connected to our planet’s survival was instilled in me at an early age. I quickly discovered; however, these foundational life lessons were not shared amongst the majority of those I met. Surrounded by native wildlife as well as endangered species from across the globe empowered my efforts, specifically the felines, primates, and raptors I have spent the most time working with. Every opportunity to work with endangered species both native and exotic, in the wild or in captivity has led to the next unexpected event that has push me further in my efforts to educate others on the importance of the preserving endangered species. My professional experience and the maturity of knowledge served as the preparation building up to this pivotal moment pursuing graduate school. The main objective of receiving a master’s degree in the field of conservation is to ensure I take advantage of the available resources along the way supporting my future goals. Furthering my studies in a program that is devoted to opening me up to projects I am interested in, where I can learn what encompasses successful leadership in developing these programs across the globe. I am motivated to continue advancing my qualifications to influence change in society’s level of importance placed on conservation and shed light on how our actions affect the future of all living things we coexist with, in relationship to how these choices determine our own survival. As expected, being the youngest and often the only female representation during much of my past work, I faced additional obstacles apart from others involved to earn the respect of other veteran experts. The unnecessary and outdated assumptions I have repeatedly dealt with only solidified my determination to go above and beyond. Driven by the act of surpassing their negative beliefs as I continue to achieve once in a lifetime matters independently. Whether it is traveling to Africa by myself to better educate others on poaching and trophy hunting lions or being invited to work alongside Panthera tracking jaguars in the Pantanal. I have the privilege to be a role model for younger females interested in this field. Each opportunity has led to the next and has allowed me to develop a sturdy foundation within a multitude of areas working with wildlife and exotic species. I thrive off being the youngest in my field with my vast amount of experience. It motivates me as a Public Figure to consistently advance further in my endeavors and be a role model to other enthusiastic young females to encourage them to take the initiative towards their goals and that no matter what stage of life you are at - you can make a difference in this world. What I love most is sharing my personal bonds with these magnificent endangered species as animal ambassadors. It is a truly monumental feeling to be the voice for these animals I love and to watch others share in this personal connection to them. The personal attachment they develop ignites peoples’ environmental cognition and begin to acknowledge the importance of the biodiversity we coexist with and recognize how our day-to-day actions have a significant impact on the world around us. There is immense power in the ability to understand how vital it is to preserve the biodiversity that remains from reaching mass extinction. We cannot exist if we do not coexist with the flora and fauna that make up life on Earth. I have been given a rare gift to grow up in this field, which has allowed me to become an influential leader, radiating with energy to connect with a diversity of individuals. I value this once in a lifetime opportunity and in doing so have placed a personal sense of responsibility in sharing my passion with others. So that we as human beings across the globe can join in ensuring the survival of all the incredible living organisms that call Earth, Home.