Fabiana Morse (ELP 2024) |  Wildlife Conservation and Public Health Consultant, AZ Nunes Ltda., Brazil

My journey as a professional in conservation medicine has always been fueled by a core belief: our purpose on Earth is to evolve compassion—not only towards each other, but also towards all forms of life that share this planet. Participating in the Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program at Rausser College in 2024 further deepened this conviction. The program showed me that true environmental leadership lies in combining knowledge, empathy, and strategic action to bring about positive change.

Whenever I feel discouraged or overwhelmed by the challenges ahead, I turn to nature for renewal. When I go surfing at the beautiful Guaecá beach in São Sebastião, São Paulo, Brazil, I find myself immersed in the energy of the waves. I look up at the sky and watch frigatebirds circling a school of fish, while the majestic mountain range surrounds the bay. In those moments, I feel deeply connected to the intricate web of life, and I regain the strength to believe that humanity will one day recognize how profoundly we are part of the energy that moves our planet.

This perspective inspires me to continuously realign my career toward more strategic and impactful work—beyond individual health, embracing broader social and environmental well-being. I see my mission as spreading the understanding that cohabiting this world in harmony is not just an ethical duty, but a necessity for our own survival. Respecting the environment is ultimately an act of respect for humanity itself.

What keeps me going is the hope that, just as nature finds balance among its diverse species, we too can learn to live with mutual respect and compassion. Every step toward harmony, however small, fuels our collective evolution—and through my actions and leadership, I strive to inspire this vision in others.

[All blog photos provided by blog author, Fabiana Morse.]