Press release
February 25, 2026
National Geographic Unveils Inaugural Creator Cohort Initiative, Cultivating a New Generation of Storytellers for the Creator Era
The Six-Month Social-First Initiative Brings Together Popular Creators Across Conservation, Wildlife Photography, Science and History, Including Maya Higa, Macaila Wagner, Ethan Penner, and More
Visuals Available HERE
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – FEB. 25, 2026) As one of the world’s most followed brands on social media, with more than 800 million followers, National Geographic today announced its inaugural Creator Cohort campaign, bringing together eight emerging digital-first nonfiction storytellers whose highly engaged, multimillion strong communities span Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Together, Nat Geo and these creators will engage a new generation of audiences across platforms, igniting their curiosity and strengthening their connections to the natural world.
From wildlife conservationists and photographers to scientists and historians, the inaugural Creator Cohort campaign spotlights a dynamic group of eight exceptional digital natives whose storytelling aligns with National Geographic’s longstanding commitment to science and global understanding, as well as the exploration and protection of our natural world. Representing voices from across North America with global reach and influence, these creators bring unique perspectives shaped by their backgrounds and experiences, including Maya Higa, Macaila Wagner, Ethan Penner and others.
“The way audiences discover and connect with nonfiction storytelling continues to evolve,” said Tom McDonald, executive vice president of Content. “National Geographic has always believed in not only the power of storytelling but also backing the storytellers behind them. Supporting the next generation of voices in science, exploration and adventure keeps the genre ambitious and relevant, bringing a new generation of audiences into the Nat Geo ecosystem.”
Over the course of the program, Creator Cohort members will participate in brand events and activations around tentpole moments, including the brand’s signature Earth Month initiative; the next installment of James Cameron’s “Secrets Of” franchise, “Secrets of the Bees”; and “Lion.” Creators will also have the opportunity to travel with National Geographic Expeditions as they sail to some of the world’s most unique destinations with National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions and discover extraordinary places through National Geographic Journeys, offered in collaboration with G Adventures. The campaign will run for six months, after which creators will be considered for ongoing opportunities with National Geographic, including marketing and programming activations across platforms.
“For more than a century, National Geographic has been a leader in powerful, fact-based storytelling that transcends platforms and inspires curiosity around the world,” said Aiman Ahmed, vice president of Social Media at National Geographic. “That legacy has helped build one of the most engaged and widely followed communities in social media today. Working alongside these eight exceptional creators is an exciting opportunity to extend the reach of Nat Geo storytelling, connect with new audiences, and invest in the next generation of influential nonfiction storytellers.”
National Geographic is building a next-generation creator ecosystem designed to reinforce its position as the definitive home for science, exploration and adventure storytelling. These digital-first creators are helping audiences better understand the world we live in, extending a legacy that has defined the brand for more than 138 years. Over the course of the initiative, National Geographic will build long-term relationships with the creators and their communities, collaborating with homegrown social talent while showcasing the full breadth and scale of National Geographic’s multifaceted brand to new audiences – from award-winning documentaries and critically acclaimed series to exclusive and in-depth reporting across print and digital, intimate expeditions curated by Nat Geo explorers, and apparel inspired by the unforgettable yellow border.
Designed as a deep collaboration with the creators, the Creator Cohort offers participants the ability to tap into National Geographic’s resources to broaden beyond their current audiences. While receiving mentorship from executives and talent and tapping into the brand’s multiplatform content to deepen their craft, creators are empowered to tell stories that feel authentic to them.
The list of the inaugural Creator Cohort members includes the following:
NATURE & WILDLIFE
- Maya Higa: Higa is a conservationist, content creator and nonprofit founder dedicated to connecting people with the natural world. She has built a massive global online platform rooted in education, transparency and purpose through her work. As the founder of Alveus Sanctuary, a nonprofit exotic animal sanctuary and virtual education center, she has led large-scale fundraising efforts — including a 21-hour charity livestream that generated over half a million dollars.
- Macaila Wagner: Wagner is a Canadian environmental educator and conservation storyteller. Driven by a passion for wildlife and nature, she collaborates with global foundations and NGOs to bring attention to their most important work. Wagner’s specialty is translating complex scientific data into engaging stories that inspire people to learn, care and act.
SCIENCE
- Maynard Okereke (Hip Hop Science): Okereke is a science communicator and entertainer, widely known as the Hip Hop M.D. On a mission to make science more accessible, he aims to increase minority and youth participation in STEM fields. As part of this journey, Okereke uses the universal language of hip-hop and pop culture to make complex scientific concepts understandable and engaging for all.
- Ethan Penner: Penner is a geoscience communicator fueled by a mission to make geology fun and accessible for everyone. As the creator of the hit social media series “What’s Inside That Rock?,” he sparks curiosity about the natural world, breaking open rocks to reveal their inner beauty to a global audience.
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
- Jordan Kahana: Kahana is a digital storyteller and adventure traveler. Inspired by the cross-country rescue of his two dogs, Sedona and Zeus, Kahana creates cinematic travel content documenting their shared life of global exploration. Through his unique adventures, he inspires others to explore the world with their own animal companions.
- Tanya Badillo: Badillo is a geoscientist by training and a visual storyteller by passion. By day, she works in a technical geoscience role; by heart, she’s always following curiosity with a camera in hand. Driven by a desire to connect science, culture and the natural world, she creates immersive, story-led adventure travel content that brings remote places to life and inspires others to explore with respect. Badillo bridges her two worlds through short-form video and photography, using her fluency in English, Spanish and Portuguese to craft stories and campaigns that elevate diverse voices in the outdoors.
- Paige Tingey: Tingey is a landscape and travel photographer fueled by a deep passion for the outdoors. Her work captures the vibrant spirit of nature, inspiring others to get out and explore for themselves. Tingey has been featured in art shows and magazines, bringing the stories of the natural world to life through authentic, high-quality imagery.
HISTORY
- Tenninger Kellenbarger (Dirt Diaries): Dr. Kellenbarger is an archaeologist and art historian specializing in ancient weaponry and combat art of the Bronze Age, currently teaching at Temple University. Fueled by a passion for history, she connects her audience to the past, one artifact, one discovery and story at a time. Her work makes antiquity and education accessible to her community which fills the colosseum five times over.
The Creator Cohort is led by Ahmed and Danny Clemens, senior manager of Social Media. The campaign is executed in partnership with Blue Hour Studios, a content and creator studio which supports the strategy, program development and end-to-end activation.
About National Geographic Content
Representing one of the largest brands on social media with over 801 million followers and over one billion impressions each month, National Geographic Content’s award-winning and critically acclaimed storytelling inspires fans of all ages to connect with, explore and care about the world through factual storytelling. National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, reaches up to 402 million households in at least 170 countries and 30 languages across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu, in addition to being a global digital, social and print publisher. Its diverse content includes Oscar®- and BAFTA Award-winning film “Free Solo”; Oscar-nominated films “Sugarcane,” “Fire of Love,” “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” and “The Cave”; Emmy® Award-winning franchises “Race Against Time” and “Secrets of”; Emmy Award-winning series “Animals Up Close” and “Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller”; and Emmy-nominated series “A Real Bug’s Life” and “Tucci in Italy,” in addition to multiple National Magazine Awards, Pulitzer Prize finalists and Webby wins. Visit nationalgeographic.com and natgeotv.com or explore Instagram, Threads, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok and Reddit.
Media Contacts
You must be logged in to view this content. Please log in or create an account.