Olufunke Olayode is concerned about Africa’s rapid rate of deforestation and associated climate change, and the implications for rural women. “I want to help Nigerians, especially poor, illiterate rural women, understand the important role of forests in climate change mitigation,” she says. “If the forests disappear, many rural people will lose their livelihoods. They depend on forests for their traditional medicine, and use non-timber forest products such as leaves, ropes, and gum for various purposes.” Olayode is equally concerned that many rural communities are not aware of climate change at all. “I want to ensure that they get the message in their local language. They need to be encouraged to grow trees on their farms.” Olayode says she is passionate about forest resources management, and will continue to encourage young people to pursue it. In Nigeria, she says, most career talks promote medicine, pharmacy, engineering, accountancy, and law, but no one ever speaks of agricultural sciences. She thought of studying medicine, but decided instead to pursue forest resources management when a wise mentor encouraged her: