Supporting the Black Mamba-the World's First All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit by fundraising and trekking 100km in South Africa's steep Drakensberg Mountain Range

This November, I'm joining 11 other women on a self-funded 100-kilometer trek through South Africa's rugged Drakensberg Mountains, raising $50,000 for The Black Mambas—the world's first all-female anti-poaching ranger unit protecting endangered rhinos in Greater Kruger National Park. All funds will be channeled through Helping Rhinos, an international NGO that directly supports the Black Mambas' vital work. Rhinos are keystone species whose survival is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems that support all life.

This is my 2nd expedition with HER Planet Earth - an amazing organization that empowers women to tackle climate change through adventure. My teammates are incredible women from around the world - business leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, all united for conservation!

For years, I remained trapped in self-limiting boxes, convincing myself to stay in my comfort zone. I told myself limiting stories: too fashionable for rugged adventures, too much of a capitalist to have credibility driving sustainability impact.

My biggest source of inspiration is my mom. Growing up, I witnessed her overcome impossible obstacles despite mobility challenges, and losing her to a neurological movement disorder shattered these barriers. Choosing to embrace everything I am is my way of honoring her legacy—a tech leader who conquers mountains, someone who creates extraordinary impact in boardrooms and meaningful change for underserved communities, while inspiring others through bold self-expression of fashion and design.

Every challenging step across those mountain ridges at 3,000-4,000 meters will honor her strength and memory.

The Impact: Empowering Women to Save Wildlife

The Black Mambas are revolutionizing conservation. Founded in 2013, these courageous women patrol unarmed through dangerous terrain, using community relationships to deter poachers. Their results: a 63% reduction in poaching incidents in their area.

Beyond frontline protection, they run environmental education programs inspiring thousands of children to become conservation champions. Our $50,000 goal directly supports their patrols, equipment, education programs, and salaries for these women transforming both conservation and their communities.

Your donation doesn't just protect rhinos—it invests in a model where women's empowerment and wildlife conservation go hand in hand.