As Canopy's Director of Institutional Giving, Isabel embraces and connects our foundation donors' missions to our work to safeguard the forests that give us life and clean air. Before Canopy, Isabel spent 15 years of learning and creating at The Nature Conservancy, leading fundraising communications for Latin American conservation initiatives. With a background in political science, literature, and translation, she loves making complex stories accessible to diverse audiences. Latin America's vibrant cultures and ecosystems continue to inspire Isabel’s work and fuel her commitment to a better planet for all.
More About Me
My Chilean roots and living in northern England for many years as a child gave me a perspective that spans cultures — something I carry into my work daily. We are in this together. I really admire that Canopy, a Canadian NGO, is bringing in Global South perspectives to its teams. We are bridging worlds that need healing and creating ideas that go beyond the present moment to deeper roots. I believe nature isn't separate from us — it is us — and this drives my work. I have always looked for work that is this meaningful to me, and Canopy broke all records!
Why Forests Are Important to Me
Ursula K. Le Guin says it all in the title of one beautiful novel: "The Word for World is Forest." We must learn from the forest and its interdependence and respect for all creatures how to nurture life rather than destroy it. I was born between the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and the vast Pacific Ocean, and I carry this deep connection always in my heart and in my mind’s eye.
Why Canopy
I was attracted to joining Canopy because it really does punch above its weight, tackling systems change rather than merely addressing symptoms. What inspires me is how we question fundamentals: Why cut life-giving trees for disposable packaging and clothing? How can we reimagine our relationship with forests? I love that Canopy is all about strategic collaboration, recognizing we must all be part of the solution because we're all part of the problem. We partner with companies to create meaningful environmental change and work with donors to cocreate paths for healing our planet. I heard somewhere that Canopy's founder created this organization when she realized she could no longer protect forests by hugging just one tree — we need to embrace entire forests. And ever since then Canopy has been building those embraces. This practical yet visionary approach captures my heart.
Ask Me About
Whether we can build a better world (yes, but only together and by recognizing we are nature and we are animals). The emerging understating that believing humans are separate from nature is the disease of our times. Shifting mindsets and hearing many voices to protect our planet. And especially ask about hope — because despite our challenges, I see tremendous reasons for optimism in the partnerships emerging worldwide.
What Ruffles My Feathers
Superficial analyses of our complex environmental challenges. When climate conversations exclude the voices of those most affected — and bury the history of colonization. The vast inequality on our planet.
I would choose to be a vicuña if I were a wild animal, running free across the Andean highlands. Vicuñas are living connections to ancient civilizations; their fine wool was once reserved exclusively for Incan royalty. They are cultural symbols of the South American Andes. I also love their contemplative nature, and that they have alone time as well as belong to a protective herd community of the herd, nothing better than independence and togetherness all in one.
