Meet Isla, the Founder of Wildlife Conservation Collective

 Who She Is

Isla is in the 11th grade at a top tier Florida high school. 

She was admitted to Mensa at age 10 and is a member of the Mensa Honor Society. In 2019, she received a Certificate of Achievement from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for earning a perfect score on her FSA Math Exam. In 2022, she received the President's Award for Academic Excellence and continues to achieve the highest marks. Fascinated by the world of ancient Greece, Isla will be studying at Harvard during the summer of 2024. Isla is also an avid gamer and crushes most encounters! GTA anyone? Let's play! 

Isla is passionate about finding solutions for the challenges that wildlife encounter due to fluctuations in climate, natural disasters, habitat encroachment and malnutrition ... to name but a few. Man has adversely impacted wild animals through hunting, environmental pollution and disruption of the natural course of nature. Through education and involvement, Isla believes we can all make a positive difference. 

Beginning in elementary school, Isla has spent the last 5 years working with both domestic and wildlife animals. 

To date, she has logged over 550 documented volunteer hours. 

Summer 2025: Cornell University

Summer 2025: Japan

Off to see the deer in Nara Park! 

The "kneeling deer" in Japan refer to a fascinating behavior seen among the sacred deer in Nara Park. These deer have become famous for their polite habit of bowing (or kneeling slightly) to visitors, especially those offering “shika senbei”, which are special deer crackers sold in the park. The deer in Nara are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition. They are protected as a national treasure, and roam freely around the city and park.

Summer 2024: Harvard University

Enrolled in the 7 week "College Programs for High School Students" curriculum at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA

Summer 2023: UCONN

Participated in the UConn Pre-College Summer Program "Pre-Vet: Marine Animal Health and Veterinary Science" at the University of Connecticut, Avery Point Campus.

Education & Outreach Program Volunteer | June 2023 – Present

Assist with educational programs, lectures, and tours.  Interact with guests, interpreting exhibits and educating them on Florida Wildlife, conservation, and environmental stewardship.

Animal Care Sanctuary Volunteer | Oct 2022 – Present

Assist with the feeding, cleaning, and enrichment for the Sanctuary's animals.  Deep cleaning of animal enclosures and prepping of diets and meals