2022 Richard Rockefeller Fellows

Songqiao Yao is the founder of WildBound, an innovative social enterprise that uses experiential education, system-based solutions, and artistic expression to cultivate sustainability leadership and connect people and nature.

Prior to founding WildBound, Songqiao was the first Chinese participant and faculty member for Homeward Bound, the largest all-female science and leadership expedition to Antarctica. As a researcher, activist, and entrepreneur on environmental issues in China and globally, she led and advised youth climate organizations and projects, worked to conserve China’s rivers as a National Geographic Global Explorer, and consulted on agriculture development projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

Songqiao received a Master of Philosophy in Geography from the University of Cambridge as a Gates Scholar and a Master of Business from the University of Oxford as the first Skoll Scholar from China. She graduated summa cum laude from Mount Holyoke College.

Ada Kong joined the fellowship as senior program manager at Greenpeace East Asia, where she led campaigns and multinational teams in the region. 

Ada has worked on the frontlines to protect China’s environment from industrial pollution  visiting more than a hundred sites throughout the country to investigate firsthand. Ada negotiated with companies to improve their environmental practices and make more progressive commitments. She also helped build the capacity of Chinese civil society by training local environmental NGOs on public campaign strategy.

As an expert on topics including water pollution, food security, and decarbonization strategies, Ada advocates for a cleaner environment through op-eds and media interviews.

Before entering the environmental sector, she worked at Commercial Radio Hong Kong as writer and program host. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London.