Lori Souder

Entrepreneur

Safari Host & Founder of Here Today, Africa Tomorrow, Lori Souder came face to face with her first wild African Elephant in Kenya more than a decade ago. This profound experience shed light on the critical importance of acting now to save African elephants. Lori's connection to the most important conservationists, scientists, and leaders on the ground in Kenya has established her as 'a lead voice for elephants' in Chicago. Her passion & commitment to elephant conservation has been contagious, inspiring others to take action & to join her adventures to Africa.

The connection between education and the environment. Education of the people who live in wild places & with wildlife is the most important way wildlife conservation organizations will be effective in saving species. It is no longer enough to "save a species"; conservation organizations must emphasize 'people first' & responsibly influence the attitudes, emotions, knowledge and behaviors of the people who live with wildlife. We must reconnect people with their natural world & empower them to protect their natural resources.

Our life's path is certainly not set in stone, the path will meander & change; but it will be the experiences, the choices & the opportunities we embrace that influence the direction of our lives.

If you were to tell me at 24 years old that I would start a travel company, leading small group safaris to Africa at 48... I would have said, "only in my dreams"! Today, what would I say to my 24 year old self and to my children? "Dreams do come true... But, for your dreams to come true you must be aware of the signs along the way, your heart must be open, your conscience aware & you must be willing to act on opportunity. Our life's path is certainly not set in stone, the path will meander & change; but it will be the experiences, the choices & the opportunities we embrace that influence the direction of our lives."

Painting Cloudscapes!