Esther Mwangi (1965-2019) was a Principal Scientist with Forests and Governance at CIFOR. Esther’s portfolio included research on benefit-sharing arrangements in REDD+ schemes; how to strengthen women’s tenure rights; and research into tenure reform implementation and effects on the tenure security of local men and women. Esther worked globally, including in Uganda, Tanzania, Indonesia, Peru and Nicaragua. At the time of her death, she was also Team Leader of CIFOR’s Nairobi Hub. A citizen of Kenya, Esther earned a Bachelor’s degree in education (botany, zoology) from Kenyatta University, a Master of Philosophy in environmental studies from Moi University and a Ph.D. in public policy from Indiana University, Bloomington.