AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

About Irma Turtle and TurtleWill

"The Big
Birthday Wish"

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Irma Turtle in Ethiopia's Omo Valley with her Hamar goddaughters Irma Rachel, Irma Sarah and Irma Leah

Irma Turtle is Founder and President of TurtleWill. Previously she was Director of Turtle Tours, an adventure travel company specializing in introducing travelers to remote populations and their unique ways of life.

Irma began Turtle Tours in 1985 after a lengthy career in advertising with Ogilvy and Mather, Intl. in New York and Brazil. In 1984 Irma returned to New York seeking something more personally meaningful. In 1985 after a trip to North Africa and a glimpse into the unique hearts, cultural traditions and ancient lifestyles of nomadic peoples, Irma launched Turtle Tours in tribute to their remarkable tenacity to survive into the 21st century with their traditions and cultures still intact.

Irma’s love for her tribal friends has been reciprocated wherever she goes, giving her a unique personal entree into tribal societies. Through Irma's expeditions and tribal contacts she was able to witness directly the many needs of these tribal peoples who receive little or no help from their governments and, together with them, work out what would be most helpful and needed. The result was the birth of TurtleWill in 1997.

The name TurtleWill comes in response to the question “Who will help these people?” The answer: ”Turtle will!”

Helping to keep these tribal communities and their lifestyles intact and stable are TurtleWill's primary objectives, recognizing that assimilation comes quickly when tribal people are forced to give up their traditions and way of life. Working on site in Niger, Mali and Ethiopia Irma Turtle and tribal representatives are committed to providing what is most needed for the groups' survival and to ensure that they receive their fair share of humanitarian services in healthcare, education and economic development.

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