Meet our team
White Hawk Foundation’s board share a commitment to help protect the Osa Peninsula’s abundant biodiversity and a deep love for Costa Rica. From conservationists to educators, government officials and Fortune 500 consultants, our diverse skills set seamlessly blend for a common cause—saving the Osa Peninsula.
Lana Wedmore Founder/President
A pioneer, conservationist and civic leader in Costa Rica, Lana has been an Osa Peninsula resident since 1991. She has labored vigorously to benefit the community, building infrastructure, culture, education, health, security, sustainable tourism and fostering environmental protection to ensure responsible growth. She served as president of the Association for Integral Development (ADI) of Corcovado for more than a decade. In 2008, Lana founded White Hawk Foundation in response to the growing urgency to protect the land surrounding Corcovado National Park.
Costa Rican Board
Dr. Jenna Lawson Secretary/Scientific Advisor
A biodiversity and climate scientist, Jenna focuses on tech-driven solutions for conservation. Completing her PhD at Imperial College London, she used bioacoustics and machine learning to study Geoffroy's spider monkeys and plantation impacts on Osa Peninsula biodiversity. She then worked at EPFL and Imperial College, applying robotics and acoustics to monitor ecosystems. Currently, she manages a global biodiversity monitoring network at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, studying human and agricultural impacts on ecosystems. Passionate about outreach, Jenna created an immersive audio-visual experience and launched Acoustic Fingerprints, blending science, technology, and art.
Laura Rivera Quintanilla Executive Branch Representative
Born in San José Costa Rica, Laura has a profound dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Her career started in the Osa Conservation Area, emphasizing sustainable resource management. With 26 years in the public sector, she has held roles in SINAC, concentrating on managing Costa Rica’s natural resources. She holds advanced degrees in Public Management, Business Sciences, and Environmental Management. Currently, Laura serves as the Executive Branch Representative at White Hawk Foundation.
United States Board
Evalena Leedy Executive Director
Our director brings over 30 years of business experience and a deep commitment to conservation to White Hawk. After attending Temple University in Philadelphia, she became a successful entrepreneur in New York City, establishing a home goods store and a thriving yoga studio. Her passion for preserving the rainforest was ignited during a transformative trip to the Osa Peninsula in 1992. Since joining the White Hawk Foundation’s Board in 2017, Evalena has led fundraising efforts and looks ahead to moving the Foundation forward, uniting communities to protect rainforests for future generations.
Geoff Blanco Treasurer
The president of an outdoor power equipment dealership in Indiana, he holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology. Geoff's career spans from information technology consulting to Vice President of Sales & Marketing at a Fortune 500 consulting firm. Transitioning to spend more time with family and pursue personal interests, he acquired his current company. Geoff has a deep passion for the rich biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula, supporting the White Hawk Foundation in exploring the intersections of natural ecosystems, community, and sustainable economic interests.
Robert L. Ternik, Ph.D., RPh, B.S. Pharmacy
A pharmaceutical development expert with over 35 years of experience, Dr. Robert Ternik brings his extensive background in product design and development to the White Hawk Foundation Board. His work spans formulation and process development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Bob is globally recognized as an expert in formulating for special populations, focusing on pediatrics and the elderly. He has been instrumental in developing over 50 clinical and commercial formulations and has collaborated with global health organizations such as WHO, NIH, EuPFI, IQ Consortium, and NICHD. Passionate about land and species preservation, he is committed to supporting the Foundation’s mission to protect the land surrounding Corcovado National Park.