Stephanie Wester Email & Phone Number

United States

Virginia

I work closely with local NGOs in Mexico, Central America , the Caribbean and Southeast Asia to create protected areas for endangered species. I manage and track project implementation to ensure projects are on track, within budget and sustainable. I am responsible for reviewing quarterly reports from project partners and contacting partners to create monthly updates on program outcomes and activities.

Virginia

I worked closely with the Latin America Conservation Officer to manage the Latin America project portfolio. I also assisted in administrative tasks creating documents for board meetings, database management, and drafting partner agreements.

Assisted program staff in facilitating after school program for high school girls by engaging youth in discussions on college prep, women's empowerment, and health.

Valdivia, Chile

I worked closely with the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary manager, the environmental education team, school professors and students to develop the first environmental education curriculum for the wetland sanctuary. The curriculum was composed of 5 lessons using art, sports, and games for youth that focused on local conservation issues. I also designed and coordinated a local inaugural campaign that engaged diverse sets of stakeholders, including 50 community members, to create awareness and pride surrounding local wetlands.

Valdivia, Chile

I assisted TNC staff to implement one of the strategies identified in the 2016 Valdivian Coastal Reserve management plan to reduce human-carnivore conflict and to increase sustainable livelihoods initiatives by building partnerships with 8 local community members, and a governmental institution (INDAP) to design a predator-proof chicken coop to decrease human-carnivore conflict.

Madison, Wisconsin Area

•Utilized the Open Standards for Conservation Planning to develop a conservation plan for the Grey Crowned Crane in Western Kenya •Collaborated with the course professor, International Crane Foundation staff, and our student team in order to identify threats to the crane, and to develop management and conservation strategies for the endangered species •Assessed potential effects of various action and management strategies and their effect on the Grey Crowned Crane and their habitat

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• Created a safe environment for learning and open and honest discussion to foster a positive group dynamic • Lead age appropriate educational activities for youth 6-12 years old• Acted as lead on site by delegating tasks to coworkers and two volunteers, by completing administrative responsibilities such as reporting daily attendance, submitting youth registrations, and creating lesson plans

Tanzania

I served 2 years as a Peace Corps biology teacher in Mbeya, Tanzania. I taught over 500 students for an average of 20 hours per week. Other accomplishments include: • Coached three grassroots soccer teams focusing on HIV/AIDS and Malaria education each intervention consisting of 10 practices of five week periods with 30 students• Coordinated three four day-long seminars for 35-45 students addressing HIV/AIDS prevention and care, careers in the sciences, youth leadership, women’s empowerment, and critical thinking • Served on the Volunteer Advisory Committee (VAC) as secretary and acted as a liaison between volunteers and Peace Corps Staff• Wrote a grant for 300 dollars to paint a world map and three biology diagrams as murals and also provided smaller teaching aids • Developed time management skills and the ability to prioritize by having several projects simultaneously • Demonstrated organizational and event planning skills when planning a World’s AIDS day event in local community and when planning youth conferences