Alyssa brings a lifelong love of nature and more than a decade of fundraising experience to her role as Major Gifts Officer at Big Life. She owes her passion for global conservation initiatives to her grandparents who taught her about wildlife and science while instilling a love of travel from a young age. Since then, Alyssa dreamed of seeing the iconic species of the Amboseli ecosystem – zebras, giraffes, and, of course, elephants – in their natural habitat.

While pursuing her graduate degree, Alyssa was already working full-time in fundraising and sought to merge her professional expertise with her commitment to environmental stewardship. Her master’s research explored how transformative experiences in nature can inspire lasting behavior change, such as adopting sustainable habits and supporting conservation organizations. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Tufts University, whose mascot is fittingly Jumbo the elephant, and an M.A. in Conservation Biology from Miami University.

Her academic journey culminated in a semester studying Hooded Capuchins in the Atlantic Forest in Paraguay. There she gained firsthand insight into the dire consequences of habitat fragmentation on species’ survivability and the importance of community partnership and leadership in conservation efforts.

Prior to joining Big Life, Alyssa spent eight years securing donations for Earthjustice, helping advance environmental law and justice initiatives across the U.S.

When she’s not working, Alyssa enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her cats. When traveling, she believes birdwatching offers a unique lens through which to experience a new location and connect with the natural world.