Laura Gruber joined WCN in 2022 as a Senior Programs Manager, where she oversees the development and growth of WCN’s Rising Wildlife Leaders capacity-building programs and supports the operational management of WCN’s Conservation Team. Laura is an alumn of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders, and now proudly serves as the Executive Director. With a lifelong dedication to biodiversity and conservation, Laura has over 25 years of experience in the conservation field, supporting in-situ and ex-situ efforts, and investing in the professional growth of emerging conservationists. She specializes in increasing conservation impact through capacity building of early conservation professionals, diversifying perspectives, and developing collaborative initiatives for impactful conservation solutions. In her free time, she can be found exploring nature and cultivating rare plants.