Dr. Allison Alberts is a conservation science leader with years of experience working globally to save endangered species. In 2020, she retired from the San Diego Zoo, where she served as Chief Conservation and Research Officer. Currently, Allison is Senior Advisor at EcoLeaders, where she specializes in strategic planning, capacity enhancement, and the design and implementation of conservation and reintroduction programs. She is co-founder of the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group, past President of the International Iguana Foundation, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. As a reptile and amphibian specialist, Allison has worked with endangered iguanas in Costa Rica, Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Fiji, as well as Komodo Dragons, sea turtles, Desert Tortoises, and native California plants, frogs, lizards, and snakes. She has authored over 130 scientific articles and three books. In 2015, she was honored with the Athena Pinnacle Award for excellence in recognition, promotion, and mentorship of women in the life sciences.