MEET THE
TEAM
Rich is the Director and Chief Executive Officer for AWE
Richard Reading, Ph.D., serves as an Affiliate Faculty with the Department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University and as a member of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Dr. Reading received a Ph.D. and three Master’s degrees from Yale University in Wildlife Ecology and Human Dimensions of Wildlife and an Honorary Doctorate from the National Education University of Mongolia.
In 2020, Rich was honored to receive the Order of the Polar Star, the highest honor from the Mongolian National Government for expatriates, in recognition of contributions to conservation.
He has conducted or overseen projects in dozens of countries, working primarily on grassland and arid ecosystems on six continents, with a focus on the Great Plains of N. America, the steppes and deserts of Mongolia, the savannahs and deserts of Botswana, and the Altiplano of Peru.
His work focuses on developing pragmatic, effective, and interdisciplinary approaches to the conservation of wildlife and protected areas through research, capacity development, and working with local people and governments. Dr. Reading serves on the boards of directors or advisors for several non-profit organizations in the U.S. and overseas; serves as an associate editor for 4 scientific journals; has published over 245 scientific papers and book chapters; written dozens of popular articles; and written or edited 10 books.
Helen is the Chief Operating Officer for AWE
Helen Trotman is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Action for a Wild Earth (AWE), where she helps guide the organization's strategic direction, partnerships, communications, and conservation initiatives.
A graduate of ArtCenter College of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, Helen spent 17 years as a successful advertising photographer in New York City, leading creative projects for major brands and publications. In 2010, she co-founded Epic Kites Kiteboarding with her husband, Dimitri Maramenides, helping grow the company into a globally recognized leader in the sport.
Drawing on her entrepreneurial, creative, and operational experience, Helen co-founded AWE to support effective, science-based conservation efforts that protect wildlife while strengthening local communities. She works closely with conservation partners across Africa and beyond, helping develop programs that address some of the most pressing challenges facing endangered species and their habitats.
Helen has spent extensive time in Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia, gaining firsthand experience with the conservation issues affecting wildlife and the people who live alongside it. She is passionate about supporting practical, community-centered solutions that create lasting benefits for both people and the natural world.
Dimitri is Director of Communications, Outreach, and Innovation for AWE
Dimitri Maramenides was born in Athens, Greece, and spent much of his childhood in Cameroon, where he developed a deep appreciation for wildlife and the natural world. Growing up in Africa provided unique experiences caring for orphaned animals, including elephants, monkeys, and chimpanzees, fostering a lifelong commitment to conservation.
Fluent in multiple languages and experienced in connecting with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, Dimitri leads AWE's communications, outreach, and innovation initiatives. His passion for wildlife, combined with his ability to build meaningful relationships and engage audiences, helps advance AWE's mission to protect endangered species and support the communities that coexist with them.
Meghan is the Community Engagement Officer for Action for a Wild Earth.
Meghan holds a B.A. in Zoology from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. She spent ten years at the Denver Zoo, working in both the Education and Conservation Departments, where she developed a strong foundation in community-based conservation and environmental education.
Throughout her career, Meghan has partnered with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in Mongolia, Peru, Botswana, Vietnam, and Sumatra. Her work has focused on building local capacity for conservation education, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and empowering communities to become active stewards of their natural resources.
Meghan is passionate about the belief that successful conservation begins with people. She is committed to creating programs that improve community well-being while ensuring the long-term protection of wildlife and wild places.
AWE BOARD MEMBERS
Katrina Loewy – Board President
Marije TerEllen – Board Vice President
John Graham – Board Treasurer
Joel Berger, PhD – Board Member Emeritus
Matt Bergles, PhD – Board Member
Jo Ann Semple – Board Member
Jay Tutchton – Board Member
Evan Blumer, DVM - Board Member