Who was/is your Role Model and why?

One of my ultimate role models is Jane Goodall. At the age of 26 she conquered her dreams and set out to Tanzania to spend years studying chimpanzees. Not very many studies of chimpanzees in the wild had been successful yet. Throughout her time with chimpanzees, Goodall made many discoveries that transformed our knowledge of animals, nature, and ourselves. After fifty years of work, Goodall used her knowledge of primates and people to create the Jane Goodall Institute and worked to build a better planet. It was founded in 1977 as a wildlife research, education, and chimpanzee conservation institution in California. The institute has the longest running field research in the world. The research they do helps us create a better scientific understanding of our closest living relatives and the planet we live on.lthough I have shifted my interested from studying in the field to ecology to more business-oriented environmental economics, I adore how Jane pursuit her passion and mission to understand the interaction between animals, nature and ultimately mankind. Utilizing the knowledge that she acquired throughout her studies to create a global institute that advocates for environmental issues that outreach the initial goal of raising awareness for chimpanzees is something I very deeply respect.

What advice would you give your 17-year-old self, reflecting on your personal or professional  challenges, experiences or successes?

While very cliché, I would tell my 17-year-old self that there is not one “correct” path in the pursuit of being successful. Furthermore, as there are so many challenges to be experienced, life is not limited to one successful outcome.

After 1 Covid-year of being an active member for Study Association Sefa, I took the wildcard shot to apply for a board year with limited to zero knowledge about the association, nor experience in a management position. I can already say for sure that it is everything I expected it to be and more. I have had the privilege to work with some incredibly passionate fellow board members and committee members. Furthermore, I have witnessed first-hand what it is like to run a big organization with significant events and activities for all the members. Additionally, I have negotiated and created value for all the stakeholders that Sefa is in partnership with daily. But most importantly, I have been able to work closely with a group of highly valued friends and learned how to motivate and bind people together.