Wanjiru Karanja

I serve as the Strategic Support and Safeguarding Officer at LEAD Conservation. My responsibilities span operations, IT systems, finance support, and safeguarding—ensuring our internal systems are streamlined and our organisation remains safe, inclusive, and accountable. I work closely with both leadership and field teams to keep operations running smoothly, while advancing LEAD’s mission and values with integrity.

I thrive on building structure and support systems that empower our team to do their best work. Whether I’m coordinating logistics, strengthening financial workflows, managing safeguarding protocols, or improving IT systems, I’m driven by the understanding that these elements form the backbone of effective and impactful work. When systems work well, people feel safe, supported, and well-equipped to contribute to our goal of preserving biodiversity and uplifting communities.

I care deeply about making purposeful contributions behind the scenes. My role centres on safeguarding both people and systems—ensuring our work is ethical, efficient, and sustainable, and driven by the courage to care deeply.

Outside of LEAD, I wear many hats: life coach, mentor, nature enthusiast, journal lover, and above all, a family woman. My greatest joy comes from nurturing others—whether that’s guiding a colleague, supporting a loved one, or creating spaces where people feel seen and safe. I believe the same empathy and structure that build strong families can also build strong organisations. That’s the energy I bring into this work every day.