Her Story
About Chloe
I am currently a junior at the University of Tampa, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies with an expected graduation in May 2027. For the past four years, I have been building my expertise in environmental conservation, and I recently began interning at Owl's Nest Rehabilitation Sanctuary, where I work hands-on with animal handling, rehabilitation, and conservation focused on native wildlife in Florida. I am certified in GIS mapping systems and have about two and a half years of experience in animal handling, which includes administering medicine and caring for patients, similar to veterinary technician work. My passion for environmental work has taken me around the world - I completed a semester abroad in Australia, and I am preparing to travel to Iceland for a research study on CO2 emissions and their effects on glaciers. I dedicate much of my time to volunteer work at Owl's Nest, which operates as a non-profit, and I also volunteer with the Humane Society of Tampa. While pursuing my studies, I work as a server to support myself. I am deeply committed to conservation work and believe in getting as much hands-on experience as possible, whether paid or unpaid, to build a meaningful career in this field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chloe
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say hard work and showing up for myself, even when it's difficult. Especially being a woman in an industry that is mainly male-led, it is hard to get started and have people really take you seriously, so I think just really applying yourself is what makes the difference. You have to be persistent and committed to your goals, even when facing challenges or when others might not initially recognize your capabilities.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say get as much hands-on experience as possible, especially if you're wanting to pursue a career in conservation specifically. Look for places you can get hands-on experience, whether it's paid or unpaid volunteer work. Talking to a lot of my professors that are working in the field right now, that has been their biggest piece of advice to me, and I just think it's something that not only fulfills you on a personal level, but is a great thing to add for your professional life. The practical experience you gain will serve you well both personally and professionally.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say one of the biggest opportunities is obviously everything going on with climate change and habitat fragmentation. There are a lot of opportunities all around the world for volunteer work and interning - I think it's just being able to look for them. The biggest challenge right now would be finding a job that pays well. This is kind of like a negative and a positive, but you have to put a lot of work into this field, and it might not be the highest paying job, so it has to be something that you're really passionate about and that gives you meaning. If that is true for you, I wouldn't necessarily say it's a negative, but it definitely is a lot more demanding than a lot of other jobs that people my age are pursuing right now.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say compassion and empathy are most important to me. Most of the things we're doing here are obviously for animals and wildlife, and they can't speak up for themselves, so being someone that's confident and somebody that can be a good leader for these animals, I think that's one of the greatest qualities. Having the ability to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves is central to everything I do.
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