Champions for Change
Our volunteers and ambassadors are the heartbeat of our mission, driving awareness, action, and hope for Asia’s endangered elephants.
Together, we’re making a difference.
VOLUNTEERS
SAMANTHA SMITH
Samantha Smith, a business executive, is VFAE's ambassador in the United Kingdom and has been creating awareness about the plight of elephants on behalf of VFAE for the past two years. She says, "I feel that everyone can do something to help these majestic souls - by supporting, donating or arranging an event for this amazing cause. I choose VFAE - as I believe in Sangita Iyer - her commitment, dedication, non-stop energy and emotional bond to do whatever she can to protect these innocent, clever, beautiful creatures. I will always support VFAE as much as I physically can."
JENNIFER HEBDEN
Jennifer is a graphic designer with experience in marketing, social media, and email campaigns. When she's not spending time with her bulldog Gus, she's usually working or volunteering for various non-profits. She has been volunteering for VFAE for the past five years because of her "love of animals and Sangita's clear vision of what changes need to be made to help the Asian Elephants in India."
DOLORES WHITLEY
Dolores Whitley is retired, an elephant advocate since 1995. She has traveled the world to help raise awareness, and protect elephants. Dolores is an Honorary Associate Producer of Sangita Iyer's groundbreaking, multiple award winning, United Nations nominated Film Documentary "Gods In Shackles". The film impacted her so much that she now dedicates a considerable amount of time, efforts, and donations towards ending the plight of Asian Elephants in India. "Elephants in India are at a crossroads! We can all help, I'm doing everything I can to aid them by supporting VFAE & its Founder, Sangita Iyer."
AMBASSADORS
RULA LENSKA
Rula Lenska is a renowned and sought after actor, presenter and passionate campaigner for wildlife especially elephants who have been a life long passion!
She says - "I have had the honour of spending many glorious moments in their majestic presence and am ever more in awe of these gentle giants and cannot imagine a world without them. I am thrilled to be asked to be a patron and will do what I can to further the beliefs and compassionate workings for their welfare through Sangita and her dedicated team of elephant saviours both wild and in captivity. I was deeply moved by the film Gods in Shackles! And even more moved on meeting the very special Sangita who made the film. Another powerful iconic woman to join the ranks of my heroines. Her energy is compelling and it was this and her passion that made me want to be part of VFAE."
HENRY SMITH
As a Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Animal Welfare Group I have long made it my mission to raise awareness of animal suffering, campaign against cruelty and seek to protect wildlife as well as our environment.
"Asian elephants sadly face human persecution both in terms of their capture for cruel entertainment and loss of habitat through urbanisation and man’s encroachment. As intelligent and beautiful animals, elephants as a species deserve our protection."