Theo's Vision
Theo Westenberger became a successful commercial photographer at a time when women in the field were scarce. She was the first female to shoot the covers of Newsweek and Sports Illustrated and became a staff photographer for Life magazine in 1982. But it was her work for National Geographic that inspired her lifelong concern about the encroachment of civilization on wild places and wild creatures. Working in Africa convinced her that learning from and protecting animals were central to an understanding of humanity -- a "moral imperative," as she put it. "Theo believed in NRDC and admired its success at protecting wild animals and their habitat," says Colleen Keegan, a close friend. Westenberger, who died in 2008, "would be pleased to know that NRDC has created a fund in her memory." The Theo Westenberger Fund for Animal and Habitat Protection, established through her estate, will help NRDC defend the earth for generations to come. In addition to her artistic legacy, she has left a legacy of hope for our environment. See Theo's photography at www.theowestenberger.com.
For information on how to leave your own lasting legacy, contact Michelle Mulia-Howell, director of gift planning, at legacygifts@nrdc.org or 212-727-4421.