Doan Nguyen Xuan Mai
About yourself
I am a multilingual with international business and financial investment background who blends expertise and passion for preserving the natural world for our future generations. I am pursuing a Professional Science Master’s in Fisheries and Wildlife Administration at Oregon State University while serving as the COO of Conservation Vietnam. Our organisation is the first social fund to investment in conservation of species and ecosystems which needed the most intervention and operational development for conservation activities in Vietnam. My drive to learn and understand conservation challenges fuels my leadership in securing funding and advancing Vietnam’s conservation efforts.
What inspired you to start working in the field of conservation?
My inspiration to work in conservation stemmed from a deep love for Vietnam’s natural heritage and a desire to protect its biodiversity. Growing up, I was moved by the beauty of our ecosystems and the threats they face, like deforestation and wildlife trafficking. Influential figures around the world like Sir David Attenborough, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Wangari Maathai along with many conservationists, showed me the impact one person can have by inspiring others for conservation. My upbringing experience both local and abroad combined with hands-on experiences in Vietnam’s environmental challenges drove me to lead Conservation Vietnam and advocate for sustainable solutions.
What are some rewards and challenges working in conservation?
I find my work in conservation is very meaningful knowing that every thought and action I take will give me the chance to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources. Fostering a deep connection to nature also provides personal fulfilment when I see the tangible impacts, like restoring habitats on war-torn areas or saving endangered species from the edge of extinction. I am fascinated by engaging with communities and diverse career paths in research, policy, or advocacy which adds meaning and variety to my life. However, conservation faces challenges like limited funding and legal barriers, which restricts project scope and timing toward conservation goals. Emotional strain from witnessing environmental loss and navigating conflicts in complex issues such as balancing human needs with conservation goals.
Despite these hurdles, I find the opportunity to make a lasting environmental impact with passion and resilience in this rewarding yet demanding field.
What does being part of the ASAP Network of Women means to you?
Being part of the ASAP Network of Women means joining a transformative network empowering women conservationists in Southeast Asia. It offers a supportive community that understands the unique challenges and rewards of conservation work. NOW fosters leadership, resilience, and collaboration, providing a platform to develop skills and confidence. As women leaders, we share diverse perspectives, blending softness and strength as needed, while supporting each other to drive impactful change in a male-dominated field. I aim to enhance my leadership abilities, forge meaningful connections, and lead impactful conservation projects. By leveraging the network’s resources, I hope to advocate for sustainable funding toward biodiversity protection, and inspire future generations of women conservationists with diverse background to create lasting environmental impact