Professional Development for Good and Conservation Masterminds

What We Do

Professional Development for Good (PD4G) and Conserveration Masterminds strengthen the capacity of conservation professionals and organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife. Led by Dr. Sylvia Atsalis, Professional Development for Good supports emerging conservation leaders by consulting, advising, and training NGO teams. She helps emerging conservation leaders develop the professional skills, confidence, and strategic thinking necessary to drive impactful conservation efforts.

About the Conservation Masterminds Program

Conservation Masterminds is a nonprofit program committed to guiding rising stars in conservation, the environment, and sustainability with personalized guidance. A free 4-month mentorship program, Conservation Masterminds provides individualized and group training on leadership, emotional intelligence, strategic communication including influence, persuasion and storytelling—critical skills for engaging communities, securing funding, and leading conservation initiatives.

By partnering with local organizations and universities, I empower young conservationists with the tools they need to address critical environmental challenges, ultimately strengthening efforts to protect lemurs and other wildlife.
— Dr. Sylvia Atsalis

How We Protect Lemurs and Other Wildlife

These programs protect lemurs and other wildlife by strengthening the leadership and professional skills of those engaging directly in conservation. The Professional Development for Good and the Conservation Masterminds programs empower NGO teams and emerging conservation leaders in high-biodiversity regions like Madagascar. By equipping them with essential and strategic skills they become more effective at securing funding, engaging communities, and implementing conservation initiatives.

Many of these mentees work for organizations directly involved in lemur conservation. Currently, Conservation Masterminds includes 50+ mentees from six countries, including 20 conservation professionals in Madagascar working with organizations such as Lemur Conservation Foundation, Centre Val Bio, Fanamby, School Garden, Lemur Love, University of Toamasina and SAVA Regional Tourism Office. Others are students at the Universitaire Regional Androy and University of Antananarivo.

By helping these conservationists grow professionally, my programs ultimately enhance their ability to protect lemurs and other wildlife in the long term.
— Dr. Sylvia Atsalis

How We Support Local Communities

Through education and capacity building, Professional Development for Good and Conservation Masterminds empower Malagasy professionals and Malagasy-led organizations to work with local communities for the greatest impact.