Meet the Team
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GVI employ a network of over 150 field staff and representatives in more than 30 countries. Together we work to ensure the success of the project, as well as the enjoyment and fulfillment of the volunteer. The people listed below highlight some of the core areas of this network but do not in any way account for all the others who work so hard to make this success possible.
- UK Head Office
- North American Office
- Australasian Office
- Mexico Office
- African Office
- Latin America Office
- Regional Field Directors
- Board Of Directors
Mexico Office
Rowana Walton - Volunteer Team Manager
After devoting many of her teenage years to horses, both competing and working in various dressage yards, it was difficult for Rowana to decide what to do next. But her interest in literature led her to studying English and American literature at Keele University and it was during this time that the travel bug began to bite and she was soon off backpacking around Europe whenever she got the chance.
After hearing her father rave about South Africa she decided to spend all of her savings on a three month trip as a GVI volunteer, spending the first month on the field guide course then moving onto the wildlife research expedition. To quote her ‘Going to sleep with the sound of lions roaring was simply magical, in fact the whole experience was inspiring'. This trip changed her whole perspective on life and after some months working for a software company she recognized that being involved in conservation would be so much more rewarding. So she then applied successfully for a job with GVI and now enjoys passing on her enthusiasm to others.
Oliver Burdekin - Field Regional Coordinator Mexico
Olly has always had an interest in the environment and after finishing two degrees at the University of Manchester, decided it was time for a break and headed out into the big wide world. Travelling throughout South Africa, Eastern Europe, Australia and South East Asia, he developed a keen interest in rainforest ecology (and surfing). Eventually returning to Manchester he began working with The Prince's Trust, helping under privileged youngsters discover their potential and working on several sustainability projects in Oldham.
Following this he moved to London to work for the NHS for a time. However, the big smoke left him craving the rainforest and the outdoors, and in October 2006, he joined GVI's Amazon expedition in Ecuador. 10 weeks proved not to be enough and so he returned on the following expedition as an intern. Ecuador introduced Olly to ornithology, a hobby he keeps up to this day. After completing the internship he travelled throughout South America and then took a road trip across the USA (East coast to West coast, via Canada).
Olly joined GVI in 2007 as a staff member in the Mexico regional office and is eager to help others enjoy the GVI experience, whilst at the same time learning about the coastal ecosystems of the Yucatan.
