Umilaela Arifin
About yourself
I am a trained herpetologist, a researcher and educator for biodiversity and conservation, particularly those occurring in Indonesia. Due to their important roles for both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, I primarily work with amphibians. My current focus is to explore and leverage tadpoles data for amphibians’ conservation.
Recently, I am joining Species Obscura - a newly born conservation organisation in Indonesia that puts focus on working to save underrepresented taxa, as Program Manager for Herpetofauna and Education.
Apart from my conservation work, I founded and co-lead the Global Women in Herpetology Project initiative.
What are some of the rewards and challenges working in conservation?
It is meaningful work for me. No proper word can describe the rewards I got for working in conservation, even when someone told me they learned something about frogs/conservation through me. Being able to witness species in their habitat is also very special. I feel peace being in the deep forest, listening to the nature orchestra that is beautifully composed from various animal calls combined with the sound of water and the breeze.
For the challenges, among others are gender bias and underrepresentation in the field with no role model, especially who looks like me. I often found my contributions overlooked compared to my male peers, which initially impacted my confidence. Additionally, as a woman who was raised in patriarchy cultures, I sometimes have my own unconscious gender bias and personal challenges that confront me to thrive in my chosen career. This is why I founded the Global Women in Herpetology Project.
What does being a part of the ASAP Women in Conservation Leadership network mean to you?
Being part of the ASAP NOW means so much for me. I feel like finding a family within my NOW-sisters that I know will always be there for each other and to thrive together. We felt connected since retreat day one and it grows deeper everyday. It is the safest space to really show our true color.
Being part of this incredible community of women leaders in Southeast Asia makes me more hopeful for the future of biodiversity in this hotspot region. I believe collaborations among the NOW-sisters (within and between cohorts via the NOW-collective) would definitely elevate the impact we each of the NOW-sisters made thus far for biodiversity and conservation in Southeast Asia. Just like Hellen Keller said "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much".
What is your biggest takeaway from the in-person retreat sessions?
My biggest takeaway from the in-person retreat sessions is to hold on to my core values and put myself (my needs and my well-being) before others. I thought I already did, but I realized that sometimes I am still unkind to myself or ignore the signs my body is trying to tell me when my personal needs and my well-being are not fulfilled. Thus, pressing the break and slowing down my work pace would be necessary. I should not think that it will prevent me from reaching my goals. It will, however, give me the push I need to get there. Another important takeaway is to have the courage, especially to take necessary actions that will help me get one step closer to my goals. Due to many reasons, sometimes we unconsciously limit ourself and would not realize the power of being courageous until we did it.