Yvette Taylor
Hailing from Durban, South Africa, Ms. Taylor is a keen conservationist, environmentalist and humanitarian. Ms. Taylor had the privilege of working closely with the late Dr Lawrence Antony for 5 years before is passing. Dr Anthony was a mentor and friend to her and she learned a great deal from him. Many of the conservation projects that LAEO continue today were started by Dr Anthony.
Trained as an administrative consultant with a Higher Diploma in Town and Regional Planning, she became The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization’s International Executive Director in 2007, opening up and overseeing several international offices. She has spearheaded LAEO’s environmental educational programs and job training programs for rural learners of all ages in disadvantaged communities, raising awareness of environmental issues and solutions for over 10,000 students. On behalf of LAEO, she is currently working with the Mayibuye Community Trust to create a community-empowering wildlife reserve near Durban. She has raised over 29 million rand for conservation including endangered rhino rescue and protection, the creation and oversight of a baby rhino rehabilitation orphanage, wildlife helicopter security, the building of 40 km of “Big Five” fencing, the clearance of 56 km of game reserve roads, and the removal of 3000 hectares of alien plants. Through various engagements she has enlighten millions of listeners on both TV & radio, encouraging active involvement in wildlife conservation.
Janine Gunner
After leaving school Janine completed her diploma in nature guiding to become a professional tour guide; working at a 4-star Game Lodge called Leopard Mountain. She went on to study her BSc. in Geology and Chemistry at the University of the Northwest with a focus on environmental rehabilitation. In October 2018 Janine launched ‘See My Country Safaris’ which offers guests day trips and packages to experience the amazing wildlife and cultures of South Africa. She is passionate about nature conservation and biodiversity and uses her tours to educate her clients about current conservation topics
Janine has a keen interest in fundraising using creative event strategies and she has raised funds for numerous animal protection groups, her goal is to create awareness that living creatures are entities, not commodities, through entertainment and education.
Billy Selekane
Billy Selakane is a best-selling author, Internationally acclaimed inspirational Keynote Speaker, Personal, Team and Organisational Effectiveness Specialist. He is Executive Chairman of Billy Selekane International with associated footprint in Australia, Middle East, Singapore, Sweden, UK, USA, an Action Learning Strategy Formulation, Team, Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership Development Organization.
He is a Past President of PSASA (Professional Speakers Association of South Africa) 2006 -2007. He is the Highest Designated Professional Speaker in Africa.
Billy is passionate about human performance and believes that people are intrinsically committed to excellence however they need inspiration and tools to transform thoughts and beliefs into actions which will yield life.
Billy has won numerous awards for his work.
Diane Wagenbrenner
Diane has served as Managing Director US Operations with the Earth Organization since 2010. With 30 years of senior management experience in global organization establishment, public relations and marketing, Diane has extensive project implementation and management experience. As the Managing Director for Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization’s Environmental Solutions Division in the United States, she oversees LAEO’s Science and Technology team to advance DSW-Tech ® research and development and coordinates its effective utilization around the world. She directs LAEO’s advancements in chemical pollutant remediation and ecosystem restoration as part of a documentation and codification program for integrative environmental technology implementations. Cooperative Ecology Education and Training is also part of the Division’s deliverables.
Barbara Wiseman
Over the past 40 years, Barbara Wiseman has worked in senior executive positions in a variety of humanitarian organizations dedicated to helping improve conditions for her fellow man and all life. During the 1970’s, beginning with the fall of South Vietnam, she worked with the U.S. Catholic Conference and the Governor’s office of the State of New Mexico to personally oversee the successful resettlement of 900 displaced refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, and Iran.
In the 1990’s, her national radio program, Building a Better World, was syndicated for 7 years on 230 stations across the U.S., interviewing real-world heroes who were successfully improving conditions for people from all walks of life.
For 9 years she held several senior positions in the for-profit company Survival Strategies, for the past 3 years of which she held the position of its Executive Director, overseeing consulting services to over 4,000 business owners.
In 2003, Barbara was invited by world-renowned conservationist Dr Lawrence Anthony (best known for his remarkable rescue initiative of the Baghdad Zoo) to help him create The Earth Organization, an environmental and conservation non-profit. As its International President, and U.S. Executive Director, Barbara has directed the organization in its work to isolate and implement long-term solutions to large-scale environmental challenges. This has included identifying and advocating for technologies that effectively clean-up toxic spills and polluted waterways, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies for locating and drilling for high-quality water in highly arid and drought-prone regions, and the creation of its Cooperative Ecology™ Education Campaign.
