When Trang was eight years old, she saw a bear confined in a tiny cage and promised herself she would protect wildlife. Growing up in Vietnam, that dream felt distant—opportunities in conservation were limited, and women were rarely seen in leadership roles. In 2013, while undergoing cancer treatment, she founded WildAct to make conservation more accessible, inclusive, and grounded in local leadership.

Vietnam’s biodiversity continues to face severe threats from illegal wildlife trade, unsustainable hunting, habitat loss, and weak law enforcement. Traditional conservation approaches often exclude women, ethnic minorities, and local communities, limiting participation and leaving those closest to nature out of decision-making.

Through WildAct, Trang empowers local leaders and communities to protect wildlife and habitats through evidence-based programs that address poaching, habitat loss, and systemic inequality. By investing in local capacity and creating pathways for communities to lead conservation efforts, WildAct is building a movement where people become long-term guardians of Vietnam’s natural heritage.