Franny McGill

More about me

I graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Anthropology and since then my wanderlust has allowed me to explore different dimensions of social and environmental justice movements around the globe. Prior to Canopy, I was based in Thailand with EarthRights International, an NGO that works with local and indigenous communities to combat environmentally and socially-harmful development. I am deeply inspired by groups of people coming together to fight injustice (I often tear up at protests) and fuelled by the grit, passion, and sense of humour of the activists I work with. I prefer working behind-the-scenes to support those with the megaphone, and enjoy the constant learning and intellectual challenge that comes with grant-writing for different audiences.

Why are forests important to you?

I grew up as a faculty kid on a boarding school campus in New England, where I roamed around with a gang of kids creating elaborate, fantastical worlds in tree forts we constructed in the surrounding woods. Since then I’ve always been at my happiest and most imaginative when I’m in the forest. I’m also a huge animal lover – and how can you love animals without valuing forests?

Why Canopy?

The climate crisis and conservation issues can inspire apathy – it’s already so bad, there’s no political will, what’s the point? – and Canopy is an antidote to that mindset: proof that systemic change is still possible, and with limited resources (and time for fun) at that.

Ask Me About?

Chimpanzees. I spent six months spent caring for orphaned chimps at a conservation center in Guinea, West Africa after university, and came away from the experience with a bounty of stories that are best appreciated by those who like bathroom humour.

What ruffles my feathers?

Attacks on women’s reproductive rights, especially by men.