Erika Helms has served as the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in China since the beginning of 2006. Erika manages JGI Programs in China: guiding the development of new initiatives and expansion in Sichuan, implementing fundraising, and overseeing offices in Beijing and Chengdu. 

Erika has been living in China for more than 10 years; has a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Johns Hopkins University.

Zhang Zhe was a founding staff member of the first Roots & Shoots Office in Beijing in 2000.  She is an experienced trainer and project manager; currently overseeing Roots & Shoots coordination around China, in particular with the Roots & Shoots Chengdu and Nanchang Office. 

Kang Yun first time heard Dr. Jane Goodall’s public speech in October 2004, at TsinghuaUniversity, unaware that she would soon be joining the Roots & Shoots team as Outreach Coordinator. She often thinks of Jane’s words “We CAN change the world” as personal motivation and is pleased to be part of the Roots & Shoots global team. She truly believes that with the global strength of Roots & Shoots, change for the Earth starts with increasing awareness through environmental education.

Kang Yun
Roots & Shoots Outreach Coordinator

Jiang Yan serves as Office Administrator for JGI China. She joined the Roots & Shoots family in 2006. She is currently responsible for administration and financing of office affairs, liaisons with media and other NGOs in China. Jiang Yan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Renmin University of China.

Yao Yue has been working at the Jane Goodall Institute as a Project Officer, coordinating projects such as Eco Action Beijing and associated events.

She became a volunteer during her studies at Renmin University in 2001. When she first heard Dr. Goodall’s lecture in 2002, knowing little about Roots & Shoots, she was deeply moved by what she heard. Jane’s passion and drive sparked her interest in observing and protecting animals and later motivated her to commit to a Masters degree in Ecology, after already completing four years of study. The experiences and lessons from working for two years at the Beijing Raptor Rescue Center changed her life and prepared her to join the Roots & Shoots team.

Grace Hagon has joined the Jane Goodall Institute China as the Environmental Marketing Officer. She focuses on JGI’s global awareness and image through marketing and PR campaigns, communicating with media and funders, events planning, eNewsletter and partnership development.

Grace is an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD). AYAD places skilled young Australian volunteers, aged 18-30, on short-term assignments, hers for one year, in developing countries throughout the Asia Pacific region. The program offers an opportunity to contribute to development through capacity building while at the same time learning about other cultures. She obtained her Bachelor of International Studies with distinction at the University of New South Wales.