IPN Spotlight: Annisa Karim (The Conservation Chair on the Board of the Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society)
After completing a Bachelor’s in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation at the University of Florida, Annisa moved to Naples to intern in environmental education and interpretation at the Conservancy of SW FL in Naples, FL. She then helped develop curriculum for the Florida Master Naturalist Program before she received her Master’s in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. Annisa moved to Naples and currently works as a biologist for Lee County. Annisa is a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and a Certified Arborist.
Annisa was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and she served from 2009 to 2012. Additionally, Annisa currently serves as the Conservation Chair on the Board of the Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Below are additional facts about Annisa.
Past President of the Collier County Democratic Club
Past 1st Vice President of the Democratic Women’s Club of Collier County
Current Board Member of the American Muslim Democratic Caucus of Florida
Just announced Leave of Absence as Chairwoman of the Collier County Democratic Party to run for County Commissioner. Read more about her campaign.
What skills have helped you in your career?
Strong proficiency in the use of ArcView / ArcMap programs
Good communication skills – being able to explain scientific information to the general public
Strong public speaking skills
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office – If you can show people how to accomplish a specific task, you become the go-to person
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I wish I would have minored in Public Administration because it may have given me a better understanding of government budgeting processes at the municipal level.
What is next for you in your career?
I would like to become a manager within the Department of Parks and Recreation and pursue an MA in Public Administration.
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
I participate in prescribed burns and write prescriptions and run the burns on the properties I manage – this helps me to maintain my Certified Burn Manager Status. I also take Arborist Classes to maintain my International Society of Aboriculture certification. Additionally, I take classes on the control and eradication of invasive plants to maintain my Pesticide Applicator’s License.
What advice would you offer to others?
Don’t be afraid to do internships and volunteer with organizations. Learn how policies relating to your field are made and how they affect your job today and in the future.
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Career advice for natural resource protection
• Career advice for environmental education
• Advice on choosing a graduate line of study on natural resource protection