07/23/2026
Introducing Our Interim Executive Director, Allison Carden Hanes!
Allison Carden Hanes is a biologist, primatologist, filmmaker and conservation storyteller whose work explores the intersection of science, culture and conservation. With degrees from the University of California, Santa Cruz and Oxford Brookes University, she has worked across primatology, conservation medicine, public health and ecotourism. A scientist-turned-filmmaker, she brings a unique lens to nonfiction storytelling, using film to illuminate complex human-wildlife relationships and inspire conservation action.
Allison is the CEO and Founder of One Health Productions, a women-led production company dedicated to stories at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health. Through a community-first approach, the company partners with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, scientists and conservation leaders to create films that advance conservation, cultural preservation and environmental justice.
With more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit, conservation and science communication sectors, Allison has led strategic partnerships, fundraising, communications and program development for mission-driven organizations. She has held roles with Art of Conservation, The Borneo Project, Amazon Watch and Science New Wave, and through One Health Productions has partnered with numerous nonprofits, Indigenous communities, research institutions and conservation organizations worldwide. Her work has centered on building cross-sector collaborations, cultivating relationships with donors and foundations, securing funding and advancing initiatives that connect science, storytelling and conservation.
Allison first became involved with WINGS Women of Discovery in 2018 and carried WINGS Women of Discovery Flag #23 in 2019 on an expedition to one of the last unexplored regions of Indonesia. She has since served on the WINGS Global Explorers Forum and Summit committees and, over the past several years, has supported WINGS as a contractor, providing photography, film production and post-production for its events and initiatives.
As CEO of One Health Productions, Allison directed and produced the government-endorsed public education film Gorilla Trekking Film, Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, International Gorilla Conservation Programme, Conservation Through Public Health, Re:wild and Conservation International. Based on her MSc research on gorilla trekking protocols to prevent disease transmission between humans and mountain gorillas, the film and accompanying educational materials are viewed by all tourists entering Uganda. She is also the director and producer of The Great Call, her debut feature documentary and long-term multimedia project currently in post-production—a cinematic and immersive exploration of singing gibbons, Indigenous knowledge and ancient folklore across the rainforests of Asia.
Allison is an active Fellow of The Explorers Club, where she serves on the Climate Committee, helping shape annual programming, and most recently joined the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group. She serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary of the International Primate Protection League and is an active member of professional communities including Brown Girls Doc Mafia, the Asian American Documentary Network and The D-Word.
We are excited to welcome Allison into this role because her lifelong commitment to science, exploration, conservation and storytelling closely reflects the mission and values at the heart of WINGS. As an active member of the WINGS community, Allison already knows and believes deeply in the organization's mission, values and community. She has been a dedicated champion of the organization for many years. Her passion for empowering women in science and exploration, combined with her collaborative leadership and enthusiasm, positions her well to guide WINGS through this exciting new chapter.
Please join us in giving Allison a warm welcome!
- The WINGS Women of Discovery Board of Trustees
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