We were lucky to catch up with Preeti Desai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Preeti, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the projects I’m most proud of came to life in the first few months of the pandemic, during my time as Senior Director of Social Media at the National Audubon Society. As the world went into lockdown and everyone was suddenly confined to their homes, we were all looking for ways to feel connected—to nature, to each other, to something beyond our four walls. Birds became that lifeline for many. Out of that moment, we created I Saw A Bird, a live, interactive online show designed to bring the wonder of birds to people’s screens, when they couldn’t step outside to find them.

It was a bit like a “bird variety hour,” with a rotating cast of guests and segments that explored everything from spring migration and climate science, to environmental justice and bird photography, and much more. We even had the privilege of welcoming icons like Dr. Jane Goodall, whom I got to interview! I was an executive producer, did a huge portion of the behind-the-scenes work, and occasionally stepped in front of the camera as a guest myself.

What made it so meaningful wasn’t just the caliber of guests or the breadth of topics we covered. It was the community that grew around it. Week after week, we’d see familiar names in the chat, people telling us the birds they were spotting and sharing stories connected to our themes. We also saw tangible impact: viewers took action on conservation policy initiatives we highlighted on the show. When we aired our final episode, the outpouring of messages—pleas not to end it, gratitude for the joy it brought—was overwhelming. It was a reminder that even in isolation, connection is possible, and that birds can be a bridge.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve spent a large part of my career at the intersection of creativity, communication, and conservation. I grew up in New Jersey, a place people often underestimate when it comes to natural beauty. And that early exposure to hidden wild spaces shaped how I see the world.

Professionally, I’ve been helping organizations and companies tell their stories in a way that drives real-world impact. Most recently, I’ve led social media strategy for the National Audubon Society and the Central Park Conservancy, growing platforms that don’t just share beautiful photos of wildlife and nature—they mobilize people to protect it.

My approach blends digital strategy with in-depth storytelling. Whether launching a new Instagram account for a conservation program, building out national campaigns for bird protection, or using video to shine a light on issues like ethical behavior around wildlife, my goal is the same: turn attention into action and inspire people to notice, care for, and protect the world around them.

At the same time, photography became my personal way of slowing down and really seeing nature. What started as a hobby has become another layer of my work. Whether it’s sharing images of endangered mountain gorillas or documenting the impact of bird collisions on city streets, my camera helps me tell the fuller story of wildlife and conservation. Storytelling is how I turn grief about environmental loss into action. You can find my work on Instagram @preetalina or preetalina.com.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is knowing that my work can shift how someone sees the world around them. I love the idea that a single image or story can make someone pause in the middle of their day, look up, and notice something they’ve probably walked past a hundred times without seeing. That moment of recognition, that sense of “oh, I didn’t know this was here,” is incredibly powerful.

What excites me is when my work opens the door for people who don’t see themselves as “nature people” or “birders” to step into those spaces. Maybe they follow me for photography and end up learning about migration, or they come for a story and leave wanting to spend more time outdoors. Those small shifts in awareness can ripple out into larger changes in how we all relate to the natural world. Being part of that process, even if in a small way, is such a meaningful reward.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to connect people to nature in ways that feel personal, accessible, and lasting. I want my work—whether it’s a photograph, a piece of writing, or a larger campaign—to create a spark of curiosity that leads to a deeper sense of care. Nature belongs to everyone and my work is about opening the door.

That means showing nature not as something remote or reserved for experts, but as something woven into our daily lives. I see creativity as a bridge between the scientific and the emotional, between data and lived experience. By telling stories that blend beauty, context, and urgency, I hope to inspire people to not just appreciate the natural world, but to feel a sense of responsibility for it. Ultimately, my goal is simple: if my work helps someone feel more connected to the world around them, then it’s doing its job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.preetalina.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preetalina
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preetides

Image Credits

Preeti Desai