Biography
Thembelihle Mbokazi is a conservation enthusiast with a passion for ocean and climate-related research. She has about five years of experience in practical advocacy for ocean conservation and related social injustices. She is a member of the Youth for Marine Protected Areas where she served in the steering committee – for two consecutive terms – in the communications portfolio. She is currently the Deputy Environmental (Innovation) Project Leader of BWIS-BLACK WOMEN IN SCIENCE (where is also an Alumnus), an emerging researcher programme that aims to encourage women participation in STEM careers, technology, mentoring and education. She has worked with international and youth-led organisations during her tenure as the communications co-ordinator of the African Youth Summit 2021. She is currently a Charles R. Wall Young African Policy Fellow where she hopes to enhance her knowledge within the policy space and build capacity for dialogue and critical thinking required for negotiations that would promote biodiversity conservation while redressing related social injustices.