Misha Body is a freelance leadership and organisational development consultant.
Body has been working in zoos, aquariums and cultural organisations for over 20 years. Her work in conservation has been highly successful, however, it is her exemplary skills in leadership and people development which have defined her career.
One of the people who nominated Body said: “She sees the needs, and thinks deeply about addressing those needs. And she does so by convening people and lifting up others to share their perspectives; all while being completely approachable and pragmatic. She is a minority woman leader who is able to be herself – which unapologetically doesn’t match the typical ‘woman in leadership’ mold – and in the most disarming yet reassuring way.”
Body set up her freelance consultancy in 2023, and is also director of Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Science (MIAZS), an organisation which seeks to further aquarium and zoo science by diversifying its professionals and points of view. She is a professional fellow of AZA, where she is a member of the Ethics Board and annual conference programme committee, and advises the Professional Development Committee.
She was formerly director of wildlife care at San Diego Zoo where she oversaw the care of more than 6000 animals across some 700 species. Here, Body championed the highest quality of care and wellness for the animals while shaping the organisational culture. She continues to teach a graduate-level course for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and has supported over 200 students in developing their master planning skills.
Before this, she was director of husbandry at the California Science Centre, where she was the inaugural member of the Living Collections department.
One of the people who nominated Body said she created a culture which was “more collaborative, innovative, and supportive by modelling compassion and a people-first approach […] this leadership philosophy enabled teams to be more effective at providing excellent care to the animals, greater experiences for guests, and better partnerships across departments and campuses.”