People

As a journalist and author, Susan was among the first to write about the extinction crisis. She co-founded Lamu Travel Nature+Culture in 2007, and uses her knowledge of African conservation to curate trips for Cowgirls and Pirates.

Emily has worked as a professional singer, radio deejay, and marketing manager for designers, artists, and rare book dealers. Her best times are spent in her family's cabin in northeast Pennsylvania. She manages products and services for Cowgirls and Pirates.

A fourth-generation Kenyan with a PhD. in plant science from University of Arkansas, as commercial director of Gamewatchers Safaris, Mohanjeet Brar has pioneered community conservation in Kenya. Chairman of the board of Ecotourism Kenya, he also is qualified as a professional guide.

Gabriel is a former professional soccer player and a licensed tour guide. His interests range from architecture to outdoor adventure, and he co-founded nature + culture, Lamu's first fair trade ecotourism company.

Garth Owen-Smith first came to Namibia in the 1960s. Today, more than 80 Namibian communities – one in eight Namibians – are actively managing and benefitting from their wildlife through conservancies covering more than 20% of the country, largely because of his efforts with Maggie Jacobsohn.

Margaret Jacobsohn is a PhD. anthropologist who has worked with Namibia's Himba people since the 1980s, creating the world's model for community conservation. She is regarded as family by many HImba people and is co-winner, with Garth Owen-Smith, of the Goldman Prize.

Gerard is the dean of Madagascar's naturalist guides. After living in Switzerland, he returned to Madagascar to work for the World Wildlife Fund and Madagascar Air Tours. He's an expert birder but we love him for his knowledge of remote hot springs and his Johnny Hallyday imitation around the campfire.

Cowgirls & Pirates was conceived with Chris Cutler, biologist extraordinaire, naturalist on expeditions to far-flung destinations, and longtime friend.