THE SUSTAINABLE OCEAN ALLIANCE TEAM

Following the Peace Corps, Anne went on to serve as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Department of State where she played a key role in launching the Global Entrepreneurship Program to support underserved entrepreneurs worldwide. As an Investment Officer at USAID, she focused on structuring catalytic capital solutions to global challenges.

Most recently, Anne was the Senior Director of Impact at Mission Driven Finance where she developed and implemented the company’s impact management and measurement system.

Prior to that, she worked at a pioneering impact investing firm, the Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF), for over 10 years as Global Director of Impact where she created the firm's first integrated impact measurement and monitoring system. Anne also served the dual role of Deputy Director of SEAF’s technical assistance program, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED), which provides critical capital and expertise to hundreds of entrepreneurs in emerging and frontier markets.

With a deep commitment to creating sustainable solutions, Anne continues to drive initiatives that empower communities and promote equitable economic growth. She holds Masters of Public Administration from Cornell University and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Art History from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

In her spare time, Anne enjoys exploring nature with her family be it camping or skiing, playing board games, and practicing yoga. 

Brandon currently serves as the Head of Global Engagement at Sustainable Ocean Alliance, where he is focused on elevating the organization’s position as an industry leader in ocean sustainability through the development of strategic partnerships and initiatives that support programmatic and fundraising objectives.

During his four-year tenure as Chief Program Officer at SOA, Brandon played a key role in supporting the next generation of ocean innovators, providing them with the training, resources, and networks needed to create nature-positive solutions and drive systems change. In this capacity, he built the Ocean Leadership Program, established a grant program that distributed over $1 million USD in funding to 400+ grassroots projects across 70+ countries, led 5+ international leadership summits in collaboration with governments, and provided coaching to young leaders worldwide.

While at New Energy Nexus, Brandon managed funds and professional development programs for clean energy entrepreneurs, including operationalizing a $48M seed investment fund for early-stage startups and curating gatherings to build momentum around California’s SB 100. Brandon has also contributed to the green movement as a consultant for 3Degrees and Alameda County and as a board member for Young Professionals in Energy, ÆRTH, and AQUA MATER.

Brandon holds an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio Graduate School, where he focused on market-based solutions to climate change. He also earned an MA in Organizational Psychology from William James College, where his research proposed a new leadership paradigm for organizations to adaptively navigate VUCA environments, integrating insights from complexity science, quantum mechanics, systems theory, and regenerative design.

Brandon is a transformational coach and certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, having trained under leading luminaries such as Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, and Giles Hutchins. His unique approach—integrating ancient wisdom, adult development psychology, and somatic practices—equips leaders with tools to interface with their inner and outer worlds, enabling them to live and lead from an expanded state of being.

A sought-after public speaker, Brandon has lectured and led workshops across five continents, with engagements at prestigious institutions and conferences, including the UN, NASA, Goldman Sachs, UC Berkeley, and COP26/27.

When his schedule permits, Brandon enjoys learning about Indigenous wisdom traditions, rooting for the Knicks, and composing music that integrates activism, spirituality, and hip-hop.

Having spent her entire life living on the Atlantic Ocean coastline, Melissa has a great love and appreciation of the ocean. Already an advocate and supporter of philanthropic work, she shares a passion for making positive changes locally, nationally, and globally.

An active member in children's health in her home state of Rhode Island, Melissa founded the Dorian J. Murray Foundation, is a leadership council member of Hasbro Children's Hospital, and spokesperson for the RI Blood Center.

As a serial entrepreneur, Matt is a Co-Founder of Latin American climate tech VC fund, Savia Ventures, and was the CEO of EnVest—a climate and ocean investing membership organization. For six years Matt was the Director of the Ocean Initiative at the XPRIZE Foundation which provided $10M in prizes to 50 ocean health companies and further supported their pilot testing and commercialization.

Matt has also worked as a marine scientist at ocean conservation group Oceana, a lab researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, marketing for a residential energy efficiency software tool, and as a leader on congressional and environmental campaigns.

He has lived in various developing countries, traveled to all seven continents, led four scientific expeditions to Antarctica, was the grand prize winner of the first Con X Tech Prize for conservation technology prototyping, and is a Fellow at the Explorers Club. His work has been featured in various media outlets including the Washington Post, New York Times, National Geographic, TechCrunch, and BBC.

Matt is passionate about reducing diversity gaps in environmental funding, supporting ocean health startups, and creating tangible results for reducing pollution. He holds a Master’s in Marine Biodiversity & Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from Miami University. 

Prior to joining SOA, Chandana was Associate Director at Acumen Academy where she led an international team to design and deliver globally-reaching online courses, leadership programs, and accelerators. She was also Director of Global Education Programs at National Geographic where she developed a strategic vision, cultivated partnerships, and designed programs for educators, National Geographic Explorers, and high-priority environmental conservation initiatives.

Chandana also held roles in program management, curriculum design, program evaluation, and leading workshops for diverse stakeholders at the University of Illinois and Harvard University. 

Her ability to design strategy, drive program expansion, and cultivate partnerships has been instrumental in advancing the mission of these organizations. 

Taylor graduated summa cum laude from the University of Colorado with a concentration in environmental and indigenous policy.

He has held positions at National Geographic, Americorps, and land and ethnic conservation NGOs in New York City and San Francisco.

Jessica is deeply committed to leveraging policy mediation and participatory design to strengthen the capacity of mission-driven organizations and global movements.

At SOA, Jessica designs and leads experiential learning programs that equip the next generation of ocean and climate leaders with the tools they need to create lasting change in international policy forums and locally-led community initiatives.

Her previous work has taken her to over 40 countries, collaborating with renowned organizations such as WWF, MIT D-Lab, UNDP, and WEF, driving impact on a global scale. 

At SOA, Caitlin strives to provide donors with a hands-on personal experience, ensuring they know their support goes beyond the monetary and is valued in their time, thought leadership, and shared passions as well. Lasting change comes from everyone working together, and Caitlin works to make sure everyone feels part of the team.

Caitlin holds an MS in Global Affairs & Conflict Mediation from New York University and has spent time working abroad in Liberia, Uganda, and Cuba, as well as consulting for agencies such as World Vision International and the Institute of Economics & Peace. She has held positions with Orbis International, the International Rescue Committee, and Seeds of Peace.

While Caitlin is based in New York City, she is originally from Vermont, and can often be found searching for that small-town feel in the big city. When she isn’t working in support of her community, Caitlin enjoys couch coaching for the Knicks, spending time with friends & family, and exploring her passion for health and wellness. 

Professionally, Kelsey has over eight years of experience specializing in executive operations, providing high-level support to C-suite leaders across industries in biotechnology, investment, leadership advisory, venture capital, and post-secondary education.

She excels at managing complex projects, driving organizational efficacy, providing strategic support, and ensuring operational excellence in dynamic environments.

Outside of SOA, Kelsey dedicates her time to volunteering with local animal welfare and advocacy organizations and enjoys exploring marine ecosystems as an advanced scuba diver. 

Jon's career path includes impactful roles at a Big Four accounting firm, spearheading a significant US expansion for an international retailer, and developing an IoT solution to minimize waste in office buildings. This journey inspired Jon to launch his own consulting firm focused on operational efficiency and event management, with a mission to enhance the well-being of life on Earth.

Jon is a skilled leadership coach and an adept digital community organizer. He excels in creating and nurturing digital communities, leveraging his deep understanding of technology and operational systems to foster engagement and drive collective action toward sustainable and holistic well-being.

Jon's approach is guided by the interconnectedness of personal wellness, environmental stewardship, and technological innovation, making him a visionary in integrating these elements to make a tangible impact.

At heart, Leon is an extreme generalist who is creating conduits toward (b)righter futures. They leverage deep expertise in Life-Centered Design, Nature-Inspired Creativity, Emerging Technologies, and Justice |  Equity | Diversity | Inclusion (JEDI) to amplify change agents to create and evolve more optimal and well-adapted solutions for our planet.

In their career, Leon has engaged deeply in diverse doings with trailblazing organizations like Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Buckminster Fuller Institute, One Point Five, Singularity University, Biomimicry 3.8, StartingBloc, Playground of Empathy, and RETHINK are all thought leaders in the impact space.

At SOA, they design, build, and advise on operating systems (tools and culture), programs, network development, mentorship, and ongoing, global network engagement and programming.

Leon is a Certified Biomimicry Professional with an M.S. in Biomimicry from ASU and a B.S. in Bioengineering from UCSD.

Leon is bravely shifting our dreaming, knowing, being, and doing in this world to be more People Positive, Complexity Conscious, and Life Liberating. As an Anti-Bias Anti-Racist Intersectional Environmentalist, they also strive to bring awareness to critical (un)learning of systems of oppression.

In radical brave spaces, they invite attention, intention, and repetition toward active shaping of more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive JEDI futures for All Life.

Born and raised in coastal California, Sabrina has experienced firsthand the impacts of climate change on her community. From wildfire and drought to debris flow and coastal flooding, she has witnessed the rapid changes to our planet that are stressing the resiliency of our global ecosystems. Motivated by hope and action, she firmly believes that humanity is both the problem and the solution to the climate crisis.

Before joining SOA, Samanta built a decade-long career in management consulting, specializing in Strategy and Operations within the energy, utilities, cleantech, and environmental industries, followed by leadership roles in the non-profit sector.

Her work has been instrumental in developing ecosystem infrastructure that nurtures innovation and supports sustainable economic growth.

Samanta has a lifelong passion for the ocean and marine life and has been recognized for her contributions to advancing the cleantech industry, receiving accolades in the field of economic development.

Prior to SOA, Alicia was part of the Investment Team at Rumbo Ventures—sourcing, conducting due diligence, and providing support for over 23 early-stage climate tech companies across Latin America, Europe, and the U.S. She also developed the fund's Impact Framework and contributed to fundraising and ecosystem-building efforts.

Alicia has extensive experience managing strategic projects across various sectors, including renewable energy, banking, and retail among others, providing consulting services to implement sustainable business practices.  Alicia also held international development roles, working as Deputy Director for Development Effectiveness with AMEXCID and UNDP.  Additionally, she co-founded SustenTalent, a platform that promotes green jobs across Mexico and Latin America, which has grown to over 10,000 members.

At SOA, Alicia is dedicated to advancing ocean-centric startups by merging innovative technology with traditional conservation methods to create a sustainable marine future. Her focus is on narrowing the gender gap in climate investments and increasing funding accessibility for emerging market founders.

Alicia holds a Master of Development Practice, a Certificate in Engineering & Business for Sustainability from UC Berkeley where she was a Fulbright Scholar, and a B.A. in International Relations from ITESM and Yale University.

In her free time, Alicia loves exploring the hiking trails of the Bay Area, practicing yoga to unwind, and experimenting with new recipes. 

At the age of 19, Daniela founded Sustainable Ocean Alliance as a college-room idea at Georgetown University.

Daniela has been recognized for her work by former U.S. Secretary John Kerry, U.S. President Bill Clinton, and E.U. Commissioner Karmenu Vella. She is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and a member of Friends of Ocean Action—a select group of leaders working to fast-track solutions to ocean challenges.

She was awarded the 2020 Rising Star Visionary Award by the Silicon Valley Forum and named a 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur. Other awards and recognitions include Glamour Magazine's College Women of the Year, Zula's Top 5 Ocean Heroes of 2016, the Peter Benchley Ocean Award, and the Bustle Upstart Award. Daniela is a contributor to National Geographic and Sustainable Brands, and has been interviewed by Voice of America, New York City TV, and Ocean Radio.

She has served as a keynote speaker at The Economist World Ocean Summit, the Global Climate Summit, The Global Convening of Mayors, The United Nations, U.S. Capitol Hill Ocean Week, Collision Conference, Sustainable Brands Conference, WE Day, and The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

Prior to working with SOA, Caroline worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for over 15 years, leading and supporting global grantmaking teams to achieve success and meet ambitious strategic goals.

Caroline is an eager learner in the ocean health and climate space and is excited to use her skillset to translate strategy into execution and ultimately impact. 

Shannon has worked with governments, communities, non-profits, academia, and the private sector. 

Leveraging her previous account management experience, Rosalyn is dedicated to ensuring that youth-led initiatives have a voice and receive sufficient funding to incite positive change in the marine environment. 

In addition to SOA, Eugenia is an Ambassador for the Blue School Program, and from 2019-2020 she was the Young Atlantic Ambassador for Portugal in the AANChOR Project. Recently, she became the youth representative of the environmental organizations at the Youth Consultive Council (CCJ), where she gives proposals to the Government of Portugal.

In 2022, she was considered Hero of the Sea by Portugal’s President of the Republic Dr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and in 2023 she joined the Reflection Group, The Future has Already Begun, in which she discussed the national and international goals with the President of the Republic and Portuguese youth until the end of the President's mandate.

In 2021, Eugénia provided scientific consultancy in producing the documentary series Rios Urbanos about 12 Portuguese estuaries, which premiered on November 2023 on RTP2.

Eugénia has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Algarve and is currently earning a Masters in Applied Marine Biology at the University of Aveiro, where her thesis focuses on the implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Over the last few years, Daniel has led SOA's deep-sea mining campaign in Latin America and assisted in the past six International Seabed Authority meetings, leading successful strategies to influence countries in Latin America to join the call for a moratorium and amplifying the deep-sea mining discussion in his region.

Daniel has also been a delegate for the Our Ocean Conference in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023 and a member of the official Peruvian delegation for the UN Climate Change Conference COP 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 28. He was part of the French delegation for the Montreal Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15 CBD) and an Observer at BBNJ and the International Seabed Authority.

Daniel has won many awards for his work in ocean conservation, including the Earth Champion Award by Population Matters, the National Hreljac Medal by the Peruvian Institute for Sustainability and Development (IPSD), and is considered one of the 100 Most Committed Latinos in Climate Action by Forbes Peru.

Mark has led youth engagement in national and international campaigns for ocean and climate issues, such as for the Global Blue New Deal – a youth-led, stakeholder-driven ocean and climate policy framework, and for a deep seabed mining moratorium. 

He has launched his own environmental action consulting firm, BlueGreen Generation. His clients include Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Mana Pacific, and Global Fashion Exchange as the founder and brand ambassador of Swap For Your Life to grow the sustainable fashion exchange movement in the global LGBTQ+ community.

As a marine biologist, MJ worked at LAMAVE, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna and the marine environment in the Philippines. Initially, her focus was on the elasmobranch, mainly the life history and reproductive biology of mobula ray fisheries in the Bohol Sea.

Later, MJ went on to lead a team of multicultural researchers studying sea turtle populations at Apo Island Philippines and building the National Turtle Catalog.

While putting effort into the conservation of marine life, MJ noticed the lack of economic opportunities faced by women in the coastal communities. Hence, she founded Tagpi-Tagpi (a Filipino word for patching things together), a circular economy initiative that grows women-led businesses in coastal communities in the Coral Triangle through personal initiative training.

Since its pilot in February 2020, MJ has trained 3 coastal communities and upcycled more than 4,000 pieces of jeans and clothes through Tagpi-Tagpi. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MJ received grants to provide more work opportunities for women, notably from the East-West Center and Sustainable Ocean Alliance.

MJ is passionate about organic gardening, women empowerment, mentoring youth leaders, and mindfulness. Her family already accepted that she has developed gills with her craziness about life under the sea.

Forbi has led several community projects and is a plastic pollution activist. He is popularly known as the 'plastic man' due to his efforts to raise awareness on the issue of plastic pollution.

He acknowledges that youth can bring remarkable change to their community if they are given the opportunity and can work together. It is his aim to share his passion with others in his community and in the continent of Africa. 

Forbi has been featured in Global Citizen and is the recipient of the 2021 Diana Award for his leadership in conservation.