Finding a place in the conversation about equitable global biodiversity conservation

Alexandra E. Sutton Lawrence, Ocean Conservancy, Chapel Hill, NC

In 2005, Alexandra E. Sutton won a SEEDS Travel Grant to attend the ESA INTECOL Joint Meeting in Montréal, Quebec, Canada from August 7 - 12, 2005. The experience was transformational for the college sophomore, and Alexa was inspired to apply for graduate school and continue to pursue a career in global biodiversity conservation. 16 years later, Alexa Sutton Lawrence, Ph.D. is stepping into a new role as the Vice President of Conservation, Justice & Equity at Ocean Conservancy, a role from which she intends to amplify and advance the integration of equity-based and rights-based thinking into global conservation planning.