Meet the Team
Team Twiga is a diverse group of dedicated professionals from across Africa and the United States, representing a variety of backgrounds and expertise. Though we work in different fields, we share a deep commitment to protecting giraffes and their habitats. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, helping to expand our mission and strengthen the impact of The World Giraffe Alliance.
Michele
Mattingly
Director
Michele serves as the Director and International Liaison for giraffe conservation, facilitating partnerships between The World Giraffe Alliance and organizations in Tanzania, Africa. A passionate hiker, writer, and traveler, Michele has dedicated her life to giraffes and the environment. After a 30-year career in education, she left the Los Angeles Unified School District in 2022 to work full-time with The World Giraffe Alliance. Michele holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master’s degree in Administrative Services, combining her expertise in education and management to drive the mission of giraffe conservation forward.
Kefas
Mollel
Co-Director
Kefas serves as the Associate Director for The World Giraffe Alliance in Tanzania, Africa. A dedicated advocate for conservation and environmental preservation, he brings years of experience in eco-tourism and wildlife protection. Kefas previously worked as a mountain guide for Kilimanjaro hikers and a safari expert for international tourists, sharing his deep knowledge of Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife. He is also the owner of Go2Kili.com, a mountain excursion company. A devoted husband and father of three, Kefas holds a degree in Travel, Tourism, and Business Management, which he applies to both conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Julie
Morgan
Marketing Manager
Julie serves as the Social Media and Marketing Manager for The World Giraffe Alliance, bringing her expertise in branding and outreach to support giraffe conservation. Based in Orlando, Florida, she enjoys swimming, biking, and exploring local parks. Julie brings 20 years of experience from her role at Disney/Lucasfilm, where she managed product compliance and ensured brand continuity. She is a graduate of Chapman University in Southern California, holding a degree in Public Relations for the Entertainment Industry, which she now applies to raising awareness and engagement for giraffe conservation efforts.
Harry
Smith
Field Operations
Harry serves as The World Giraffe Alliance’s primary representative to public agencies, businesses, and organizations throughout Los Angeles, California. A longtime Los Angeles resident, he has a background in computer science and mathematics and spent over 20 years as a public school math teacher, coach, and AVID coordinator for LAUSD. Now, he focuses on developing initiatives to secure financial support from large-scale organizations, helping to fund vital conservation projects in East Africa.
Moureen
Nakyonanya
Conservation
Specialist
Moureen is an educator with a degree in Environmental Science and a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. She works at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Center in Kampala, Uganda, specializing in environmental and conservation education for children. As a volunteer Outreach Coordinator for The World Giraffe Alliance, she inspires and motivates the public to take action in protecting giraffes and their habitats.
Tomson
Asiimwe
Giraffe Wrangler
Tomson holds a degree as an Animal Management Specialist and works as an Assistant Animal Keeper at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation and Education Center, specializing in giraffes and reptiles. Passionate about giraffe preservation, he volunteers with The World Giraffe Alliance, dedicating his time to conservation efforts and wildlife education. As an advisor on animal husbandry, he provides expert guidance on giraffe care and welfare while also working in outreach to raise awareness for TWGA’s mission.