Cadasta is thrilled to introduce Heidi Burgess as Cadasta’s new Senior Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships. With over two decades of experience in philanthropy focused on social equality and environmental conservation, Heidi has championed Indigenous-led initiatives and sustainable development. Her journey has been inspired by her early passion for community involvement and her commitment to aligning resources with impactful, rights-based solutions. We sat down with Heidi to discuss her background, her insights on philanthropy’s role in tackling global challenges, and her vision for supporting Cadasta’s mission through strategic partnerships.
What inspired you to pursue a career focused on social equality and environmental stewardship?
As a child, my grandfather was an important mentor to me. He was an integral member of his community and taught me a lot about civic responsibility and the importance of contributing to society. In university, I originally pursued an education in Liberal Arts and Art History and never thought of philanthropy as a career, but my early learnings exposed me to the integral intersections between human behavior, cultural movements, societal evolution, and the impact people have on their environment.
How do you see your experience with Indigenous-led conservation shaping your approach at Cadasta?
Studies have proven that the majority of the remaining biodiversity is located on local and Indigenous lands and I firmly believe that the increased authority and capacity of local and Indigenous peoples to steward their lands and waters is critical for the future of a healthy planet. I am very grateful for the past experiences I’ve had helping fundraise for some large Indigenous-led conservation projects that have resulted in Indigenous-owned and protected land. I aim to come to this role to authentically listen and share my experiences for the benefit of people and nature.
What excites you most about joining Cadasta and working in the land-tenure space?
I have a lot of learning to do in the crossover from conservation to land tenure, but in many ways, there are many similar entry points – community engagement, government relations and policy, and land use planning. What I’m most excited about is co-creating multiple pathways with funders leading to the protection of living cultures, meaningful livelihoods, and gender equality—that can all start through the registration of land rights.
What role do you think philanthropy plays in addressing today’s biggest global challenges?
Philanthropy is powerful, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Innovative collaboration—usually with the most unlikely of partners—is what can create brand-new thinking on age-old issues. Right now, our world is demanding immediate and inclusive action, and it will take all sectors to create solutions. We are looking to engage with others who can help us bring their networks to build something at the scale we need right now.
Heidi brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to land rights and environmental stewardship, and a vision for building collaborative, inclusive solutions to Cadasta. We are thrilled to have her on the team and look forward to seeing how her leadership will support Cadasta’s mission and partners.