Jessica McKelson

The most significant impact of Jessica's Fellowship has been bridging the gap between conservation and business leadership. Traditionally, conservation has been viewed as a science-driven field, but her experience highlighted the critical need for strategic business management, leadership, and economic understanding to drive meaningful, long-term sustainable outcomes and change.

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Through the Fellowship, Jessica gained first hand exposure to innovative conservation models and operating mechanisms, providing fresh perspectives to the sector. This knowledge has been instrumental in her professional work, particularly in developing alternative livelihood initiatives that reinvest funds into conservation and community efforts—demonstrating how responsible business practices can directly support environmental sustainability.

Additionally, the Fellowship provided Jessica with a powerful global network, enabling cross-sector collaboration between conservationists, policymakers, and business leaders. This connectivity has been highlighted as imperative for broader industry shifts, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary approaches in conservation. The impact of this today is evident in securing partnerships and collaborations with industry sectors, which is critical for long-term conservation outcomes.

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Looking ahead, Jessica anticipates that the Fellowship’s impact will continue unfolding as more professionals recognize the importance of integrating leadership, business strategy, innovative technologies, and community-driven solutions into conservation approaches. By applying these principles, resilient conservation models that are both ecologically and economically sustainable can be built, ensuring long-term adaptation and success for the planet's natural resources.

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Jessica's Fellowship provided invaluable opportunities for growth, starting with personal development. It instilled confidence and maturity to take the next steps in her professional career. Traveling to remote and less-explored regions to meet some of the world’s leading conservationists was a thrilling experience that sharpened her skills in communication, critical questioning, and information gathering.

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Professional Impact

This experience shaped Jessica's career and reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary leadership in conservation. The lessons she learned in building strategic connections, networking, and having strong mentors continue to support her in designing impactful solutions for biodiversity outcomes in Australia.

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As the General Manager of Conservation at Phillip Island Nature Parks, the insights Jessica gained through the Fellowship have been instrumental in shaping her approach to future-focused strategy and sustainable conservation leadership. Since joining the organization seven years ago, she has led the development and implementation of the 30-year Conservation Vision and a five-year conservation plan, along with subsequent plans for threatened species outcomes. The strategy and mindset to develop scalable solutions were among the most significant learnings she has applied to the industry and her current role. Currently, she is spearheading the development of a second strategy that builds on these achievements, aiming to drive even stronger environmental, social, and economic impact.

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