Akane is an outgoing, passionate individual who thrives when contributing to a good cause – especially when it involves the natural environment. With over 15 years of experience at an Australian wildlife sanctuary, she developed a deep understanding of native wildlife, from reptiles and monotremes to all things marsupial. It was there she found her heart’s calling: conservation.

After her time at an Australian wildlife sanctuary, Akane began supporting her dear friend Debra Erickson-Mills, former Marketing Manager of the renowned San Diego Zoo. The two first met at an international zoo educators conference in the UK back in 2012, and their shared passion for wildlife education sparked a lasting collaboration. Debra went on to found Wildlife Madagascar, a not-for-profit wildlife conservation start-up that has grown rapidly in just two years. After jumping in to help create the website, Akane naturally stepped into the role of Creative Director—supporting campaigns, events, and the organisation’s creative vision whenever she can.

On Maria Island, Akane saw a wombat joey peek from its pouch—an unforgettable moment that deepened her love for wildlife. She once raised tadpoles found in her dog’s pool, protecting them through storms until they were ready to hop back into the wild.

Creativity has always been at Akane’s core. From playing saxophone and piano as a child to a lifelong obsession with ’90s punk and ska, she’s continuously found ways to express herself. Entirely self-taught in design and photography, Akane channels her creative energy into storytelling—using infographics, photos, and videos to share knowledge and spark inspiration.

With a graduate diploma in education and an educator dad as a role model, she believes learning should be engaging and heartfelt. Through her work, she hopes to motivate others to care deeply for the wildlife of Madagascar and the planet.

When she’s not talking conservation or crafting creative content, Akane works in communications for her other great love: baseball. She also volunteers at a local native plant nursery alongside her plant/wildlife/conservation-obsessed bestie, Jackie.

She shares life with her dog Ska, her old-man cat Stalky, her lycra-loving cyclist partner Jesse, and her spirited step-girls Milla and Maxie.