Virginia
Patterson
International Conservation
Social Science
Human Rights
Driving transformative change at the intersection of conservation, human rights, and climate resiliency.
Virginia Patterson, M.E.M. is a senior leader with over 13 years of experience in international conservation, human rights, environmental policy, and climate resilience. Her career spans U.S. federal agencies, global NGOs, and field-based programs across Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific.
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As a Social and Environmental Scientist, she advances equity, accountability, and resilience through innovative program designs and collaborative leadership.
Recognized by United States cabinet and Congressional leadership for policy innovation, she is known for translating global standards into actionable strategies through cross-sector collaboration and a strong commitment to culturally grounded solutions.
Virginia brings a rare blend of lived experience and technical expertise to global conservation and development work. Raised in a multicultural family deeply rooted in land stewardship, she was shaped by generations of farmers, botanists, and ecological caretakers. Her early exposure to cultural heritage, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation cultivated a lifelong respect for traditional ecological knowledge and its role in sustaining both ecosystems and communities.
Her professional experience working and living alongside Indigenous communities in Mexico deepened her understanding of traditional governance systems, land stewardship, and the role of culture in effective, lasting conservation.
This foundation informs her enduring commitment to equity-driven, locally grounded approaches in global environmental policy.
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EXPERIENCE
2010-2015
Social Safeguards Program Lead
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service International Affairs, Division of International Conservation
Led the development and implementation of the agency’s first human rights-based environmental and social safeguards system, embedding global standards into U.S. international conservation programs.
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Guided cross-agency implementation across five project teams, setting a precedent for rights-based conservation in federal grant-making.
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​Spearheaded initiatives with the Department of State and the Office Inspector General to design and launch monitoring and evaluation systems for foreign assistance conservation programs.
Consulting Program Director
RENCI
Directed the revitalization of a stalled NIH-funded initiative for climate resilience and epidemiological risk in historically marginalized communities.
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Restructured five internal teams, accelerated deliverables by 40%, and helped unlock $15M in new program funding.
Organized the launch of the RADx Data Hub, a public access platform advancing scientific collaboration with local communities.
Strategized stakeholder engagement and data governance strategies to ensure accessibility, equity, and long-term impact across sectors.
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Program Management Specialist
RTI International
Advanced environmental safeguards, community engagement strategies, and policy integration for multilateral initiatives.
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Managed technical and field operations for international development programs totaling over $35M, with a focus on nature-based solutions, sustainable energy, and Indigenous and territorial rights.
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Oversaw six subcontractor teams and 12+ field staff across Latin America and the Pacific; ensured compliance, cultural relevance, and impact-driven conservation.
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Research Project Manager
NC State University College of Natural Resources
Led an NSF-funded research initiative examining the impacts of climate disasters compounded by COVID-19 on remote island communities.
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Strengthened qualitative research design and led stakeholder survey efforts; identified local information pathways, recovery barriers, and risk perceptions.
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Initiated the design of a virtual disaster preparedness hub aimed at integrating community resources, improving capacity sharing, and advancing climate resilience strategies across coastal regions.​
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Research Assistant and Program Coordinator
Duke University
Conducted and managed field research across Indigenous territories in southern Mexico as part of a participatory conservation initiative supporting the creation of a regional biodiversity corridor, advancing traditional ecological knowledge into conservation management and sustainable development.
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Partnered with Indigenous leaders on the design of six nature-based enterprises aligned with local values and long-term stewardship goals.
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Collaborated with senior federal policy makers and national security experts to deliver policy recommendations to strengthen climate resilience for 128 U.S. coastal military installations.
Senior Project Manager, Planning and Development
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Led teams on the largest state-funded natural and cultural conservation project in the Southeast U.S.
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Commended for launching innovative programs and forging alliances; promoted within 18 months of employment.
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Streamlined multi-agency contracts and workflows across 5 departments, ensuring compliance and optimizing project execution.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
2005-2007
Duke University
Master's of Environmental Management and Leadership
University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill
Master's Coursework - Cultural Anthropology
Meredith College
Bachelor of Science - Sustainable Architecture and Design
CORE COMPETENCIES
International Biodiversity Conservation
Policy Analysis, Development & Implementation
Environmental Governance
Foreign Affairs
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Executive Policy Communications
Scientific Writing
Spanish - Advanced Proficiency
Global Indigenous and Human Rights Instruments
Multilateral Conservation Frameworks
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development
Senior Policy Correspondance
Cabinet and Congressional Briefings
Qualitative Research & Analysis
French - Basic Proficiency
EXPERTISE
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
Drove organizational growth and transformation through visionary leadership and effective decision-making. Built and nurtured high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
ADVOCACY & POLICY INFLUENCE
Crafted and executed impactful advocacy strategies, influencing policy changes at local, national, and international levels. Leveraged legal expertise to drive meaningful reforms and uphold human rights standards.
RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
Conducted comprehensive research and analysis to uncover critical insights and inform evidence-based solutions. Produced influential reports and publications, driving awareness and shaping discourse on global justice issues.