Constance Mwandaa

Portrait of a Ranger: Connie, directed by Leo Plunkett and produced by Wildlife Works, is a finalist at the MY HERO International Film Festival.

The Wildlife Works’ film features Constance Mwandaa, one of the first female rangers at the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project, after following her childhood passion for conservation. Since she joined the team at Wildlife Works, she has helped pave the way for more female rangers and is now one of ten women on a growing team of over 100 rangers. Together, they are transforming what it means to be a ranger.

Born and raised in the Kasigau region, Constance grew up surrounded by wildlife and developed a deep love for nature at a young age. After secondary school, she pursued her dream of joining Wildlife Works’ ranger team—an ambitious step in a field traditionally dominated by men. In 2011, after successfully completing the demanding selection and physical fitness tests, she officially became the first woman to don the ranger uniform in the Kasigau Corridor.

Her presence instantly began shifting local expectations. Young girls who once saw conservation as off-limits started to recognize that they, too, could have a place in wildlife protection. Constance quickly became a role model and a catalyst for change.

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Over the years, Constance distinguished herself through advanced fieldwork and rigorous ranger training programs, including completing the renowned LEAD Ranger course. Her professionalism and commitment saw her rise from Training Officer to Head of Training and ultimately Assistant Warden. In these leadership roles, she designs and delivers comprehensive training programs for rangers, team leaders, and deputy team leaders. This work strengthens the professionalism, confidence, and safety of the ranger force and ensures that new generations of conservation leaders are well prepared for the challenges they face.

Today, the Kasigau Corridor ranger team has grown to more than 100 members, including ten women whose journeys were made possible in part because of Constance’s pioneering path. Her influence echoes through every patrol and every training session, helping shape the skill, resilience, and unity of the entire team.

Since Constance became the first female ranger, she has helped open doors for others who once believed conservation roles were not meant for them. Female rangers at Kasigau and around the world are redefining what it means to protect wildlife. They serve as educators in their communities, mediators in cases of human–wildlife conflict, and role models who inspire others to challenge outdated gender norms. Constance’s work demonstrates the profound shift that occurs when women are empowered to participate in fields where they were previously excluded.

The Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project, recognized as the world’s first and longest-standing certified REDD+ initiative, forms a critical wildlife passage between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. Spanning more than 200,000 hectares of dryland forest, it shelters a diverse range of wildlife, including several endangered species. Rangers in this area play a crucial role in monitoring animal populations, preventing illegal deforestation and poaching, resolving human–wildlife conflict, and sharing conservation knowledge within their communities.

Beyond its ecological importance, the project is also a cornerstone for community development. By partnering with more than 100,000 local residents, the Kasigau Corridor initiative reinvests revenue from carbon credits into essential services such as education, healthcare, clean water, economic opportunities, and direct job creation. In a region where the survival of both people and wildlife was once in conflict, the project has created a shared path forward, using a market-driven model to align human well-being with environmental protection.

Watch the film here: myhero.com/portrait-of-a-ranger-connie