Journeys With Purpose offers immersive travel experiences that catalyse the celebration and advancement of nature conservation across the world. Journeys With Purpose is more than just a travel company; it’s a platform for positive impact. We believe in the power of travel to inspire and empower, to connect people with the natural world, and to support vital conservation efforts. At the heart of our mission are the passionate and dedicated women who make it all happen.
At Journeys With Purpose, we are proud of the strong women behind our team. In this feature, you’ll meet Eliza Norris, Head of Operations, Sophie Gandet, Head of Community, and Natalia Sánchez, Head of Marketing. We thought this month’s women in conservation focus would be a great opportunity for readers to get to know some of our team better, and understand what motivates them to work in conservation.
Through these conversations, we hope to inspire you to learn more about the women leading the charge in conservation and to consider how you can make a difference, whether through travel, volunteering, or simply raising awareness.
Eliza Norris – Head of Operations at Journeys With Purpose
What inspired you to pursue a career in conservation?
My inspiration to pursue a career in conservation stems from both my academic interests and personal experiences in some of the world’s remarkable natural spaces. During my geography degree, I developed a deep understanding of the complex interactions between humans and the environment. Geography showed me how human societies shape, and are shaped by the natural world, and sparked my interest in how we can live harmoniously with nature in ways that benefit both communities and ecosystems.
This academic foundation was reinforced by my personal journeys to wild places, from Banff National Park in Canada to the Albanian Alps, to the Brazilian Amazon. These experiences, hiking through pristine landscapes and encountering diverse wildlife, have been some of the most profound of my life. In those moments, I felt a deep connection to the natural world and realised that this connection is something I want to nurture and protect through my work.
Conservation is about more than just protecting nature; it’s about fostering a reciprocal relationship between people and the environment. This drives my commitment to contributing to conservation efforts that ensure both ecosystems and communities thrive together.
Can you share a specific project or initiative you’ve worked on that you feel particularly proud of?
While my project is still in its infancy, I’m particularly proud of collaborating with organisations in Albania to promote the protection of the Vjosa River, Europe’s last wild river. The Vjosa faces significant threats from human development, particularly dam construction, but through the efforts of groups like EcoAlbania and support from partners like Patagonia, it was recently declared Europe’s first wild river national park. Seeing this historic achievement reinforced my belief in the power of grassroots action and partnerships to protect natural spaces, and it deepened my commitment to conservation efforts that benefit both ecosystems and local communities.
How do you see your work at Journeys With Purpose making a difference in the broader conservation movement?
We connect our guests directly with remarkable conservation projects around the world. Through hands-on engagement and donations integrated into every journey, we support both well-known and hidden heroes in their efforts to protect and restore ecosystems. By fostering personal connections between our guests and these projects, we help cultivate long-term support and awareness, creating a lasting impact that goes beyond the journeys themselves and strengthens the global conservation community.
Could you share a story about a time when you witnessed the positive impact of female conservation efforts?
Last year, Journeys With Purpose hosted an all-female journey in partnership with Soul Safaris and Daughters for Earth, which focused on women at the frontline of climate change in Kenya. While I wasn’t able to attend this journey, it was inspiring to hear about the remarkable female conservation leaders who are driving meaningful change in their communities. Listening to their stories and learning about their work was incredibly powerful, highlighting how women are playing a critical role in addressing climate challenges and fostering resilience in some of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in conservation or wanting to make a difference to the environment?
I would advise anyone considering a career in conservation to start by identifying what truly inspires them about the natural world and find ways to get involved, whether through volunteering, supporting grassroots initiatives, or educating themselves on key environmental challenges. Conservation is a diverse field, and there are countless ways to make an impact — from fieldwork and policy advocacy to community engagement and storytelling.
Are there any particular female leaders in conservation who inspire you?
Kristine Tompkins
What three words or phrases best encapsulate your personal philosophy or approach to conservation?
Connect; collaboration; hope
Sophie Gandet – Head of Community at Journeys With Purpose
What inspired you to pursue a career in conservation?
My passion for conservation stems from a lifelong connection to nature and a deep belief in the importance of protecting our planet’s ecosystems for future generations. Growing up, I was fortunate to travel extensively, experiencing the incredible diversity of wildlife and landscapes across more than 50 countries. These journeys opened my eyes to both the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
Working closely with local communities during my travels inspired me to recognize the power of collaboration in conservation efforts. Seeing firsthand how communities and wildlife thrive together when given the right support motivated me to pursue a career that bridges those connections.
Can you share a specific project or initiative you’ve worked on that you feel particularly proud of?
One project I’m especially proud of is raising awareness about sea turtle conservation in Guinea-Bissau’s Bijagós Archipelago, a critical nesting site for endangered species like green turtles. Through educational efforts, I worked with the local communities, talking about the importance of protecting nesting beaches and the broader marine ecosystem.
What made this initiative impactful was its ripple effect. By empowering individuals with knowledge, the message spread organically, inspiring community members to take ownership of conservation efforts. Witnessing the first hatchlings make their way to the ocean reinforced the idea that small actions, like education, can create a lasting, positive impact on both people and wildlife.
How do you see your work at Journeys With Purpose making a difference in the broader conservation movement?
Today, my work combines storytelling, community engagement, and a commitment to rewilding and ecosystem restoration, which allows me to actively contribute to meaningful change.
Could you share a story about a time when you witnessed the positive impact of female conservation efforts?
One memorable moment was when a local woman told me she had started teaching her children about the importance of protecting sea turtles after attending a workshop I had helped organize. Her enthusiasm spread to neighbors, showing how empowering women with knowledge can inspire whole communities to become stewards of their environment. It reminded me of the profound influence women can have as changemakers in conservation, even in small, everyday acts.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in conservation or wanting to make a difference to the environment?
Start small and stay curious. Focus on what inspires you, whether it’s wildlife, ecosystems, or communities, and take action—volunteer, learn, and connect with others in the field. Remember, even small efforts create ripples that can lead to big change. Passion and persistence are key!
Are there any particular female leaders in conservation who inspire you?
Jane Goodall
What three words or phrases best encapsulate your personal philosophy or approach to conservation?
Empower communities, nurture ecosystems, inspire change
Natalia Sánchez – Head of Marketing at Journeys With Purpose
What inspired you to pursue a career in conservation?
I’ve always felt a deep connection to nature and wildlife, and witnessing the impact of environmental degradation motivated me to take action. Conservation isn’t just a career for me; it’s a passion to protect the planet and its creatures for future generations.
Can you share a specific project or initiative you’ve worked on that you feel particularly proud of?
I’ve been fortunate to be part of two start-ups that are deeply committed to sustainability and conservation, and I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done in both. As Head of Marketing for both companies, I played a key role in developing strategies to raise awareness, engage audiences, and amplify the impact of our conservation efforts. One project that stands out was a campaign we launched to promote responsible tourism and raise funds for local conservation projects. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we were able to directly contribute to protecting critical ecosystems while also engaging a wider audience in the importance of sustainable travel. Being part of these start-ups has been an exciting journey, and I’m proud to see how they’ve grown while staying true to their environmental missions.
How do you see your work at Journeys With Purpose making a difference in the broader conservation movement?
As Head of Marketing at Journeys With Purpose, I see my role as pivotal in raising awareness and inspiring action. Through thoughtful campaigns and storytelling, we’re able to connect travellers with the incredible conservation initiatives we’re supporting. By using our platform to promote responsible tourism, we’re not only helping fund vital environmental projects but also fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting our planet. It’s about creating a ripple effect where every traveler becomes a part of the broader conservation movement, helping to drive positive change on a global scale.
Could you share a story about a time when you witnessed the positive impact of female conservation efforts?
Unfortunately not, the only one that comes to mind is the example of that amazing Journey that JWP organized to South Africa with females-only travellers.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in conservation or wanting to make a difference to the environment?
My advice would be to start by identifying what aspect of the environment you feel most passionate about—whether it’s wildlife, ecosystems, or sustainability. From there, take small, meaningful steps. Volunteering, learning from experts, or even starting with local conservation efforts can provide invaluable experience. It’s also important to stay patient and persistent—change takes time, but every action, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture. And finally, don’t be afraid to bring your unique skills and background to the table. Conservation needs creative, diverse minds working together to find innovative solutions to the world’s environmental challenges.
Are there any particular female leaders in conservation who inspire you?
There are so many incredible women in conservation who inspire me, but a few who stand out are Dr. Sylvia Earle, the legendary marine biologist, and Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees has changed the way we understand both animals and humanity. Both have shown how powerful one person’s voice and actions can be in making a global impact. Their passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting the planet have not only shaped the conservation movement but also paved the way for many of us to follow in their footsteps. They remind me every day that the work we’re doing is part of a larger, interconnected effort.
What three words or phrases best encapsulate your personal philosophy or approach to conservation?
Transparency, purpose-driven and collaboration.
These conversations offer a glimpse into the passion and dedication of the women driving conservation at Journeys With Purpose. We invite you to join us on a journey of discovery and make a difference. Explore our upcoming trips and experience the magic of responsible travel firsthand.
This article is written by Kim Bridgeman
Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.