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At The Okavango Foundation, our mission is to restore and protect the health of the planet, including the animals and humans who call this world home. It started with idea and it continues with unwavering dedication to three fundamental initiatives: ocean & waterway conservation, wildlife & animal protection, and mental health advancements.
Our vision is of a world with balanced ecosystems, secure habitats, and effective mental health treatment for all those who need it.
The Okavango Delta, a refreshing oasis in the heart of the African desert, stands as a testament to Earth’s regenerative vitality and life’s renewal amidst adversity. The Okavango is a symbol for the foundation’s interests in restoring the health of the planet and its wildlife, and the mental health of the humans that live among us.
At the helm of the Okavango Foundation are the Keefes– a family driven to make the world a better place.
Caren Gadigian Keefe, Founder and President, is bringing her extensive knowledge of business and finance to spearhead the foundation’s outreach and growth.She has over 30 years of experience working with private equity firms, investment management and operational expertise across a variety of industry sectors including clinical trials.
Richard Keefe, PhD Founder and Vice-President, devoted his career to developing novel strategies for measuring treatment-related changes in human performance and behavior. With over 40 years of experience in clinical psychology, neuroscience, and drug development, Rich is also Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, and serves on the Editorial Board of Psychological Medicine, Schizophrenia Research, and Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience.
Austin Keefe is from Chapel Hill and is a multimedia designer, experienced in graphic and theatrical design. He graduated from George Washington University with a degree in technical theatre and from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in graphic design. He is currently a Web Design Coordinator for WIRB Copernicus Group (WCG), a tech company that specializes in accelerating clinical research. Austin was a key graphic designer in the WCG’s initiative to rebrand their social and media image.
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He’s an expert in designing logos, improving brand style and creating web content. He is also the Creative Director of The Okavango Foundation, where he facilitated the Okavango brand’s concept and style. Through his creative passion, he hopes to reach the rest of the world through the Okavango Foundation to restore the planet’s blue, green, and gray in all that matters.
Victoria Keefe was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She graduated from the University of Miami in 2020 with a degree in Creative Advertising, and received a Culinary Arts degree from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City in 2023. She works as a freelance food stylist and is currently positioned at the Today Show working with Today Food. She plans to study Italian cuisine at the Italian Culinary Institute beginning in January, 2024. She lives in New York City.
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