In a pre-recorded virtual event, Dr. Jane Goodall accepts DCEFF’s Environmental Champion Award and sits down with DCEFF Board Member and National Geographic’s Director of Special Global Events Gregory McGruder for a discussion of her life and work. 

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world. Dr. Goodall is known for groundbreaking studies of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, which forever changed our understanding of our relationship to the rest of the animal kingdom. This transformative research continues today as the longest running wild chimpanzee study in the world. Jane’s work builds on scientific innovations, growing a lifetime of advocacy including trailblazing efforts through her international organization the Jane Goodall Institute which advances community-led conservation, animal welfare, science, and 

youth empowerment through JGI’s Roots & Shoots program. Jane is a global icon spreading hope and turning it into meaningful positive impact to create a better world for people, other animals, and the planet we share.

Gregory McGruder is the director of Global Special Events at the National Geographic Society where he produces programs highlighting the work of National Geographic’s Explorers for the organization’s Advancement team. He’s been a supporter of the DC Environmental Film Festival since its founding, and currently serves as co-vice president of the Festival’s board.

**Photo Credit: Vincent Calmel