Sanaa Payge

Sanaa Payge (she/her) is an advocate for environmental stewardship and social equity from Arlington, VA. She holds a B.A. in Public and Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech, focusing on Smart and Sustainable Cities and minoring in Africana Studies. Her passion stems from firsthand experiences with gentrification and urban growth, igniting her interest in integrated planning and transdisciplinary problem-solving that honors historic preservation and sustainability.

Sanaa's conservation journey began early, marked by a commitment to addressing systemic inequities and fostering inclusive communities. A pivotal moment was her internship as a City Strategist with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), where she developed a rubric to guide Urban Green's national expansion based on research of city Climate Action Plans.

Currently, Sanaa serves as an Impact Analyst at the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN), enhancing global conservation efforts by refining impact metrics and designing systems to effectively communicate the organization’s achievements. Her work supports fundraising initiatives and engages diverse stakeholders, aligning with WCN’s mission to empower local conservationists and advocate for equity.

Eager to contribute to the fellowship program, Sanaa aspires to be a catalyst for change in creating sustainable, inclusive urban environments. In her free time, she enjoys exploring vinyl records, reading, and cherishing moments with friends, all while looking forward to collaborating with fellow environmental advocates for a sustainable future.