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Press Release
The National Geographic Society Honors 15 Visionaries: Meet the Recipients of the 2025 Wayfinder Award Presented by Kia
Celebrating 15 Explorers transforming how we understand nature, culture and the future of our planet
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5, 2025) — Today, the National Geographic Society announced 15 recipients of its 2025 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia, honoring a new cohort of National Geographic Explorers who are redefining what it means to lead in science, conservation, education, technology and storytelling. Among them: a traditional navigator training the next generation in ancestral wayfinding in the Cook Islands; a South African geologist uncovering ancient clues to human evolution; and a Colombian conservationist protecting the critically endangered brown spider monkey. These awardees exemplify bold thinking and boundary-pushing action that aligns with the Society’s mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.
“True to the name of this award, this extraordinary group of changemakers represents the bold spirit of purposeful exploration,” said Alex Moen, chief explorer engagement officer at the National Geographic Society. “Their creativity and innovation are helping us to better understand and protect the natural world, and we’re proud to support them as they lead us into a more viable future.”
Kia’s continued philanthropic support of the Wayfinder Award is part of their ongoing Accelerate the Good initiative, which has contributed more than $22 million toward global sustainability and social impact efforts. Their collaboration with the National Geographic Society underscores a shared commitment to fueling innovation and supporting visionary leaders who are building a better world.
“At Kia, we believe in the power of bold ideas to drive meaningful change,” said Russell Wager, vice president of marketing, Kia America. “That’s why we’re proud to support the National Geographic Society’s Wayfinder Award, which recognizes pioneers who are reimagining what’s possible for our planet and our future. These Explorers embody the spirit of innovation and purpose that aligns with our Accelerate the Good initiative—and we’re honored to help elevate their impact on a global stage.”
In addition to joining the Society’s global community of National Geographic Explorers, each recipient receives a monetary award to support their work. They are celebrated at the Society’s annual Explorers Festival in Washington, D.C., and are eligible to apply for further project funding through the Society’s Wayfinder Program, in addition to leadership development, speaking opportunities and a collaborative platform to connect across disciplines.
Meet the recipients of the 2025 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia:
Binbin Li; Conservation Scientist; China
Li is a conservationist and sustainable development researcher who founded the China Anti-bird Collision Action Alliance, the largest citizen science project in China.
Cannupa Hanska Luger; Artist; United States
Luger is a Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara and Lakota multidisciplinary artist whose bold visual storytelling presents new ways of seeing our collective humanity while foregrounding an Indigenous worldview.
Chido Govera; Social Entrepreneur; Zimbabwe
Govera is a social entrepreneur, farmer and community empowerment advocate who developed an approach to turn agro-waste into nutritious food and income for households in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Damián Blasi; Interdisciplinary Language Scientist; Argentina
Blasi is an interdisciplinary language scientist, whose work around the world investigates the diversity and evolution of languages and cultures, documenting human ingenuity and creativity.
Gabriela de Luna; Conservationist and Educator; Colombia
De Luna is a conservationist and educator protecting the critically endangered brown spider monkey in one of the world’s most biodiverse and heavily threatened regions.
Hana Raza; Wildlife Conservationist; Iraq
Raza is a wildlife conservationist and founder of Leopards Beyond Borders (LBB), a nonprofit organization working to protect endangered species in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Martín del Río; Multimedia Producer and Curator; Chile
Del Río is a multimedia producer and curator who founded the Santiago Wild Film Festival and Ladera Sur, a media platform for stories focused on nature and the environment throughout Latin America.
Mirte Bosse; Evolutionary Genomics Scientist; Netherlands
Bosse is an evolutionary genomics scientist whose expertise in livestock genomics has advanced understanding of genetic diversity, adaptation and inbreeding. By translating insights from domesticated species to wildlife, her work has significantly impacted conservation genomics, offering novel strategies to tackle biodiversity loss and manage genetic health.
Moreangels Mbizah; Conservation Biologist; Zimbabwe
Mbizah is a conservation biologist and founder of Wildlife Conservation Action, a nonprofit focused on innovative strategies to promote human-wildlife coexistence and socio-economic development.
Peia Patai; Navigator; Cook Islands
Patai is a navigator preserving the traditional and sacred art of wayfinding in the Cook Islands by training the next generation.
Pippa Ehrlich; Filmmaker and Storyteller; South Africa
Ehrlich is a filmmaker, journalist and lifelong ocean advocate whose work explores the powerful connection between people and the natural world.
Sonya Atalay; Public Anthropologist; United States
Atalay is a public anthropologist combining community knowledge and Western Science to address environmental variability, protection and care of cultural places and food security through partnerships with local communities.
Tebogo Makhubela; Geologist and Speleologist; South Africa
Makhubela is a geologist and speleologist exploring the fossil-bearing cave and surface deposits within the Cradle of Humankind, shedding light on the environmental and climatic changes that influenced human evolution.
Titus Cañete; Marine Biologist and Deep-sea Ecologist; Philippines
Cañete is a marine biologist and deep-sea ecologist, committed to making deep-sea research more accessible through local innovation, inclusive science and the development of low-cost ocean technologies. His work focuses on deep-sea shark species, sustainable fisheries and empowering local communities to participate in deepwater marine conservation.
Véronique Couttee-Jenkins; Founder and Leadership Educator; Mauritius
Couttee-Jenkins is a nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, and leadership educator, passionate about empowering women in STEAM fields and using technology to catalyze social and environmental change.
With support from the National Geographic Society and Kia, this year’s Wayfinder Award recipients are advancing solutions to urgent global challenges. Through a sustained commitment to their mission, these Explorers have already contributed to tangible progress in their field. This recognition will help deepen their impact and drive lasting change for our planet and its inhabitants.
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About Kia America
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About National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
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