Michele Gangaware

Flight Program Director Michele Gangaware joined CAVU in 2008 with more than a decade of experience in conservation issues in Mesoamerica.

Born New Jersey, in the Delaware River Valley, Michele and her family moved to Colorado in 1992, where she quickly became involved in local conservation and wildlife protection issues, working with the Sierra Club, serving on a chapter board, and as project director for the Deep Creek Wild and Scenic River project in northwestern Colorado.

Michele discovered she had a love of flying and obtained a private pilot's license in 1998 and has since logged nearly 700 hours flying throughout the United States, Mexico and Central America, hoping to one day fulfill her dream of flying her 1959 Cessna 182 to Patagonia.
Prior to joining CAVU, Michele served as Latin America Program and Operations Director for LightHawk, where she created and managed more than two thousand conservation flight missions in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Bahamas.

A passion for Latin America, its culture and people has inspired her to learn about and enhance others’ understanding about the incredible richness and vulnerability of bio-diversity in the region. She cares deeply about environment and social justice, and has a strong belief in community activism. Michele puts her passions and beliefs into action through her work and volunteerism.

Michele currently resides in San Jose, Costa Rica with her husband Ken, son Cole and a menagerie of four-legged family members. In her free time, she volunteers for animal rescue organizations and enjoys crafting artisan jewelry, playing guitar, creating culinary delights, and exploring her adopted home of Costa Rica with her family.