During Women's History Month, we pause to honor the remarkable women who bring their talent, expertise, and unwavering dedication to the success of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. From pivotal leadership roles to vital positions in animal care and conservation, women stand at the forefront, shaping our organization's mission and influence.

As we contemplate our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity, it's truly empowering to acknowledge the substantial presence of women across all echelons of leadership within the Zoo and The Wilds.

Tom Schmid, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds, recently conveyed a poignant message underscoring the significance of women's involvement in fortifying not just our institution but society at large: “This year’s Women’s History Month global theme was Inspire Inclusion. Democracies and governments - and any organization - are stronger when women are participating equally. Here at the Columbus Zoo and at The Wilds, women are well-represented in leadership.”

In fact, at the Zoo and The Wilds:

• Over half of the senior leaders are women.
• 60% of the Director-level leaders are women.
• 70% of the curators are women.
• 90% of the veterinarians and veterinary technicians are women.
• 100% of the Senior Vice Presidents are women.

Those Senior Vice Presidents are here to share their heartfelt messages, illuminating the invaluable roles of women within the Zoo and The Wilds.

 

Angel Mumma, Senior Vice President of Finance

"My professional journey has been deeply enhanced by the wonderful women that I have been blessed to work with.  These remarkable women have taught me that that effective leadership can include compassion and empathy.  They have taught me that competition amongst each other isn’t productive; that “rising tides lift all ships” is so very true.  They have taught me how to have constructive dialogue while walking away with the upmost respect and support of the other person.  

We are blessed to have so many women leaders at all levels within the Columbus Zoo family, and I’m honored to serve next to each and every one of them.  Together, we work toward furthering our mission – Empowering People. Saving Wildlife."

 

Dr. Jan Ramer, Senior Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation

"I have been inspired by women in leadership positions throughout my life, starting with my mother, an incredibly strong woman who overcame immense adversity in her life. She showed me how to persevere through life’s challenges and help others along the way.

The women who coached me as a high school and college athlete taught me the importance of being part of a team; We can accomplish so much more by working together. My favorite high school biology teacher was an amazing woman who cultivated my curiosity about nature.  

Incredible women in science – there are so many – have been my role models throughout my career.  I have also been blessed to work for and with men and women leaders who do not see gender as a barrier; leaders who celebrate and cultivate the talents of everyone on the team.  

I am honored to work with and inspired by all the talented and dedicated women in our organization.  Together, we are making a difference!"

 

Jen Ryan, Senior Vice President of Operations

"In the last several years, I have had the opportunity to work with a close group of peers who happen to all be women. Resilience, compassion, determination, and empathy were shared in ways that supported and challenged each of us to do better and to be better.  A focus on developing teams and future leaders, solving problems, and increasing communications were shared goals, and together, we found strength.  

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is fortunate to have women in all levels of leadership within our organization that continue to inspire others with their dedication, passion and commitment to live our mission.  I am thankful for these women who show up each day to make a difference for our teams, our animals and our guests."

 

Carman Wirtz, Senior Vice President of Human Resources

"To me, women in leadership stand as beacons of resilience, determination, and empowerment.

I was raised by a remarkable grandmother whose strength and tenacity I admired.  I learned early the value of perseverance and was taught to see every challenge as an opportunity to defy society’s expectations of me.

Like all of us, I experienced ups and downs through my career and absorbed the lessons along the way.  Today, I am honored to work next to many amazing women leaders at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and am in awe of the work they do and the passion that drives them.  I see future generations inspiring new and profound ideas and acting on them.  Collectively, we work as a team to support our mission of empowering people and saving wildlife!"  

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Thank You.

At the heart of the Zoo and The Wilds, we're proud to have incredible women leading the charge in conservation, animal care, education, and so much more. From our dedicated zookeepers and veterinarians who work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of our animals to our passionate educators who inspire the next generation of wildlife warriors, the women of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are true trailblazers in their fields.

But our celebration doesn't stop there! Recognize and uplift ALL the amazing women who make a difference, both within the wildlife conservation community and beyond. Whether you're a visitor, volunteer, staff member, or supporter, we want to honor and appreciate YOU for the unique contributions you bring to our shared mission of wildlife conservation and education.

Let's make every month a celebration of women's strength, courage, and endless potential.

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