We are continuing our commemoration of Women's History Month by recognizing the extraordinary women of Conservation X Labs who work to disrupt the field of conservation every day. Today, we highlight the inspiring work of Marion Adeney, who leads our initiatives in the Amazon region as well as the Fire Grand Challenge.
Our Amazon Program aims to bring together diverse communities, sectors, and knowledge domains to discover, innovate, develop, and implement conservation technologies and regenerative forest-derived products in the Amazon basin. Currently underway is the Con X Tech Prize: the Amazon, a global competition that invites groundbreaking scientific and technological innovations to transition Amazonian economies from destructive, extractive practices to modern, regenerative models.
Launching this year, the Fire Grand Challenge will seek innovative solutions that braid together local engagement and knowledge with cutting-edge technology and science to reimagine our collective relationship with fire at local to systemic levels.
Learn more about Marion’s experiences, reflections, and motivations with us:
What inspired you to pursue a career in conservation?
As a child, I was fascinated by birds and animals and always wanted to study biology. I cared a lot about people and ideas too, and after college, I became a 5th grade teacher in East Los Angeles. I raised finches and trout in my classroom and took city kids to nature camps. I was most excited about the natural science curriculum, and so were the kids. I saw my own passion reflected in the responses of my students and realized that science and conservation were the path that I had always needed to follow.
Was there a woman that inspired you to pursue a career in conservation, and how did they influence you?
This is a hard question for me to answer because there are so many. Early in my career, during my Master’s field work on tropical forest fires and birds in Sumatra, biologist Margaret Kinnaird demonstrated how long-term investment in training local conservationists can be transformative. Years later, I feel deep admiration watching Indigenous women leaders, such as Ângela Amanakwa Kaxuyana, step up to leadership amidst enormous challenges. Throughout my career, the courage of local and Indigenous women who put themselves on the front lines for conservation and their communities has continued to inspire me.
What advice would you give to other women interested in pursuing a career in conservation?
I would give them advice that others have given me and that I continue to give to myself. Trust your own experience, intelligence, and intuition, and also don’t be afraid to try something new, put yourself forward, or ask for help. The world needs you, and you can make a difference.
Every day, we honor Marion and the countless women like her who are shaping the future of conservation.
Stay tuned for our last inspiring feature next week!
