Our Team
Director's Office
Founder & Director
Ankita Shanker LLB (R’dg) BCL (Oxf) BPTC (Lond BPP) is a social entrepreneur, educator, and legal researcher, specialising in public international law, international human rights law, comparative animal rights law, and legal philosophy and theory.
Eduardo Kapapelo BA BAdmin MPhil PhD (Pret) MA (Vie) is a project manager and researcher at the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. With a focus on a variety of critical topics, Eduardo is currently working on issues relating to climate justice and human rights.
Executive Manager (Courses)
Marie Kolb LLB (Leip) Dipl-Jur (Leip) is a law graduate with a focus on public international, European Union, and human rights law. She aims to utilise legal frameworks to drive positive change, advocating for the ethical treatment of animals and the protection of our planet.
Executive Manager (Competitions)
Isidora Martínez Fariña is a final-year law student from University of Chile, specialising in public international law. She is interested in raising awareness about animal rights through international cooperation and in the development of animal law through the lens of international law.
Leeshma Krishna Manoj is a third-year Business Administration student, dedicated to exploring innovative solutions for protecting and enhancing animal lives. She seeks opportunities that promote harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
Outreach Office
Senior Outreach Manager
Soňa Kalafusova BSc (Banska Bystrica) is currently working to advance legal protection for animals through research and advocacy. With over a decade of advocacy experience spanning campaign coordination, investigations, and organisational leadership, Soňa has contributed to legislative victories, including Slovakia’s circus animal ban.
Senior Outreach Manager
Çağrı Şahin BA LLB (Ist BAU) LLM (Lei) is a lawyer and PhD student specialising in animal law in Turkey. He has a master’s degree in international human rights law, and his PhD studies will critically explore the intersections of human rights, legal theory, and animal rights.
Regional Outreach Manager, The Americas
Tarun Bishop BA JD (Pdx L&C) MSoc (Joensuu UEF) is a researcher focusing on animal law and policy, public interest law and policy, and inclusivity within the animal rights movement.
Regional Outreach Manager, The Americas
Regional Outreach Manager, The Americas
Angie Vega LLB (PUJ Cali) LLM (Mich State) is a Colombian attorney and former MSU Animal Law Fellow. She is a legal scholar and an Associate Editor at Animallaw.info, where she created the world’s largest Latin American animal law collection. With an LLM in the American legal system, Angie has used her expertise in civil and common law to advance animal law in the academic field.
Communications Office
Senior Communications Manager
Joylyn Fernandes BSc (Mumbai St Xav) MBA (Liv J Moores) has co-founded Rescat, a cat rescue organisation focused on rehoming and stray population control through TNR. She also volunteers her time with other organisations that are dedicated to promoting a compassionate and plant-based lifestyle.
Grants Manager
Legal & Financial Office
Legal Operations Associate
Arif Doğuhan Erkin LLB (Ist MEF) is an LLM student at Geneva Graduate Institute, specialising in public international law. He is passionate about animal rights and environmental advocacy. He is committed to using his knowledge to contribute to positive changes concerning animals and the environment in legal frameworks.
Legal & Financial Operations Associate
Ayanda Kunene is a final-year law student at the University of Cape Town, and is passionate about environmental welfare and advocacy. He is committed to promoting environmental rights and justice through proactive engagement and community outreach.
With Assistance From
who handle graphic design, web design & development
who handle legal matters