Global Leadership
Are you curious about the powerhouse behind ThinkOcean? Get to know our entire team and learn about our diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests!
To contact any member of the team, email info@thinkoceansociety.org with correspondence addressing their name
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Executive DirectorBased in Delhi, India, Shubhangi is a passionate advocate for health equity and social justice. With her extensive experience working with non-profit organizations and academic background in dental school, she strongly believes in the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives. As the Executive Director of ThinkOcean, she leads the network and its mission, overseeing day-to-day operations with great dedication. She recognizes the intricate relationship between health, gender, and climate change, and is deeply committed to exploring their synergies in creating a more equitable future.
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President
Ajay is an award-winning ocean-climate communicator with a resolute interest in the intersection of marine conservation and climate change. He is passionate about translating ocean science into solutions-driven models to make accurate information more accessible.
Ajay's dedication to this cause is exemplified through his work with organisations such as World Ocean Day, The Ocean Foundation, The Ocean Project, the National Geographic Society, and The Nature Conservancy. Besides this, Ajay is also an awardee of the Make an Impact Fellowship, the 2023 GEEP Youth Innovation Prize for Marine Debris and Conservation, and a National Geographic grant.
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Director of PartnershipsBen Thompson grew up in West Virginia, then studied and worked in Washington DC. He now lives in Indonesia working on eco-farming implementation at the Bukit Lawang Trust. He has previously worked on the U.S. Department of State's Afghanistan desk, assisting in the Afghanistan evacuation efforts, later serving in USAID/Europe with a focus on building partnerships. He is a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, and George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, with a focus on Global Energy/Environmental Policy. In his spare time, he's a musician, painter, and aspiring author.
benjamin.thompson@thinkoceansociety.org
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SecretaryMaria Phiri is a twenty-year-old Malawian woman born on August 11, 2003. She completed her Malawi School Certificate of Education in 2021 at Phwezi Girls Secondary School. Presently, she is pursuing her studies at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Science (MUBAS). An emerging writer and environmental activist.
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Global Chapters Director
Mulenga is an Environmental Engineering student from Zambia and has a track record of making innovative efforts to turn the world into a greener place. He has completed various projects such as Mapping the African Carbon Market, Watershed delineation of Lusaka City in Zambia, and has earned 3rd place at the 2025 COP15 Hackathon at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for his team's innovation on Wetland restoration. He's a great team player and easy to get along with. Mulenga has also showcased his passion for effective leadership in marine conservation by serving as a Young Professional under the Southern African Development Community Groundwater Institute, and serving as a Future Leader at the Commonwealth Engineer's Council. His hobbies include taking morning walks and playing both video games and chess.
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Partnerships Director
Hailing from a coastal state in South India, Isabelle Thomas is a fervent champion for intersectional environmentalism and the well-being of coastal communities. As a social entrepreneur focusing on textile waste management, with hands-on experience combating climate change impacts with her local fishing communities, she embodies a resolute commitment to positive change. She brings her passion to the forefront as the Partnerships Director at ThinkOcean, with a vision to collaborate with experts & leaders to pioneer innovative solutions for ocean conservation & climate change mitigation. Isabelle's connection to her coastal roots fuels her mission to empower more to drive impactful initiatives that can address pressing social and environmental challenges.
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Chief Financial OfficerAdam Wolpert was born in Westford Massachusetts. He has graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario with a Bachelor of Applied Science and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Chemistry, also at Queen’s University. Adam grew up surrounded by nature with hiking, skiing and SCUBA diving. These have fostered his love for the outdoors and his passion for the environment. His appreciation for the ocean pushed him to get a PADI certification in coral reef conservation. Adam has been involved with ThinkOcean since its inception in 2017 and has most recently served on the board of directors as the treasurer.
Executive Team
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Programs OfficerZain was born and raised in Georgia and now lives in New Jersey, where he is pursuing his master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations. He has a dog named Zuko, named after his favourite character from Avatar: The Last Airbender. A big fan of sports and the outdoors, Zain is always up for a good hike or a stroll around New York. Passionate and outspoken, he proudly says: Visca Barça, Go Dawgs, Free Palestine.
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Executive DirectorSabine Castro is a youth environmental leader, social entrepreneur, and ocean advocate. As Executive Director of Think Ocean, she drives global marine conservation initiatives, having collaborated with NASA on environmental research, represented youth at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, and lobbied for sustainable policy on Capitol Hill.
She founded Dolphin Defenders, a youth-led marine conservation organization, and co-created SEA Blue Labs, a youth incubator for ESG-driven innovation. Sabine empowers the next generation to tackle the planet’s toughest challenges through science, entrepreneurship, and bold action.
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Education Officer
Mariam is a work-oriented junior student. Being a resident of Sharm el Sheikh city has played an important role in developing her love for the environment and the oceans. With her interest in science, law, and responsibilities towards her natural surroundings, she was led to her major, Marine Science. Mariam's eagerness to do something noteworthy for the sake of Earth is what drives her, alongside her entrepreneurial spirit. Her intensive involvement in multiple student activities has given her the chance to raise awareness and make changes by leading several NGOs, marking her efforts in community building.
Her new challenge, joining ThinkOcean, would give her the opportunity to expand her participation and efforts on a global scale, matching her tremendous love and passion for safeguarding the oceans beyond her home country, Egypt.
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Education Officer
Annabel Fiero is a Sophomore at Scripps College in Claremont, California, USA studying Environmental Science. She is very passionate about marine and environmental education as well as science communication and visual storytelling. She currently works in the Gilman lab at Keck Science Center where she is studying barnacle feeding behavior and is a Senior Water challenge ambassador for EarthEcho, a nonprofit that uplifts youth voices in ocean conservation. She is super excited to be an Education Officer for ThinkOcean!
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Virtual Events Director
Bikram is an enthusiastic, determined, and adventurous person from Nepal. He’s studying master's in marine environmental sciences at the University of Oldenburg in Germany. He advocates for the environment, ocean, & climate, and is a member of YOUNGO. Recently, he participated in the 58th session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SB 58) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn.
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Creative Director
Oshadhi Wimansa is an 18-year-old Sri Lankan ocean and climate activist. She is also the founder of the 4Earth Podcast, where she interviews amazing guest speakers from all over the world to discuss various environmental topics. She also works as an Arctic Angel at Global Choices, where she takes action to protect the polar regions, and as the Director of Engagement at Covalence Global, a youth Climate Action Organization. Her main goal is to take action against climate change and make the world a better place for everyone.
Contact comms@thinkoceansociety.org
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Virtual Events DirectorAkhila is a senior in high school from New Jersey, USA who is passionate about improving climate literacy among youth. She is a firm believer that youth are at the forefront of the climate movement, and that we should encourage more people to find the motivation to do their part to help save the planet!
Currently, Akhila works with organizations on the local, national, and international level to achieve these goals. Most recently, she worked with Earth Echo International as a ResilienSEA Extern, where she led the development of a mobile app to connect consumers with ocean-friendly restaurants. Additionally, Akhila serves on the UN Ocean Decade Youth Advisory Council and as the Outreach Coordinator for the New Jersey Student Sustainability Coalition, where she continues to strive to spread awareness about the importance of developing a climate-minded generation.
Outside of environmental activism, Akhila is passionate about research, and is currently pursuing an independent project investigating the relationship between gut health and risk of depression using machine learning. She is also an editor of her school's newspaper, an alpha Science Olympiad competitor, and the president of the freshman mentorship club. In her spare time, Akhila enjoys running cross country, finding new trails to hike, and solving crossword puzzles.
National Coordinators
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Anthony Duxell Malle
Cameroon
Anthony is a conservation leader and Cameroon National Coordinator, currently pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Geography and Natural Resource Management at the University of Buea. Known as the “Mangrove Lord,” he is the Founder of Light for Nature (LINAT), a grassroots NGO with over 60 volunteers.
He is a micro-grantee with Sustainable Ocean Alliance, leading a successful community-based mangrove restoration project in Cameroon. Proactive and adaptable, Anthony brings strong leadership, research, and field implementation experience.
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Vaishnavi Srinivas
India
Vaishnavi is a law student at the University of York working towards a career in climate justice. She is passionate about all things travel and gender justice with a keen interest in music. She also hosts think ocean India's podcast on sustainability in India called See Green, do check it out!
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Daniel Olajuyigbe
Nigeria
Daniel Olajuyigbe is based in Nigeria and is completing a Bachelor’s programme in Aerospace Engineering at Afe Babalola University by 2026. He is the President and Founder of DACTION Initiative, a non-profit advancing and empowering young people across the globe towards Quality Education, Climate Action and Ocean Conservation. Daniel is a member of the Planeteer Alliance Design Squad and among the ambassadors. He is the METO Representative for Nigeria, a YOUNGA Youth Delegate, and an ABUAD Salt Valley Associate. According to Daniel, success is not measured by the greatness of honor and wealth in the life of an individual, rather it is by how much positive impact a person has made on the society. He is driven by this commitment to raise his voice for people to rise and answer to the call of education, conservation and active youth participation in national and international issues.
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Oussema Fersi
Tunisia
Oussema got his bachelor degree in Fisheries Engineering and Environment from the National Agronomic Institute in Tunisia. As an active member within his University before graduation, he was the president of a club called “Terre d’Aventure ” for two years. He took arranged hikes and motivated his team members to admire landscapes and preserve the environment. Further, he was a member of the association of “Notre Grand Bleu” which has a major goal to protect marine protected areas and which also is considered to be the first of its kind in the Mediterranean. He was involved in Mediterranean monitoring projects from the Island of Kuriat with them. His professional experiences also contributed to boosting his knowledge and love for the environment. He has always been passionate about scuba diving and driving small boats. He is excited to be working with ThinkOcean to interact with different people, gain more knowledge about other’s perspectives, and make serious contributions to the protection of the environment.
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Steven Emalu
Uganda
Steven Hawse Emalu is a Makerere University Business School student who has a Diploma in Business Administration and is now pursuing a degree course. He founded Bottles of Hope, a plastic waste management company that works with unemployed community kids and single moms to recover plastic from the environment in order to earn money. He currently works as a business development representative with Yo-Waste - Waste Disposal & Recycling and has a keen interest in environmental conservation, waste management, sustainability, and the circular economy. He was instrumental in the establishment of the ThinkOcean Uganda chapter.
Chapter Heads
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Shreya Sahai Bhatnagar
Delhi/NCR
Shreya is a high school student from India who is passionate about sustainable living and ocean conservation. Inspired by her uncle's quote, "To make a change you have to think ocean and not think pond," she became interested in learning more about our home’s water bodies and how we, as humans, affect them. As a member of ThinkOcean Society, she is dedicated to motivating fellow climate activists and encouraging young people to take action. She believes that even though we may not be "too late," we still have a long way to go in saving our oceans. Shreya aims to inspire others, even if it's by making the smallest change in their lifestyle, to work towards a sustainable future for our planet.
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Pihu Agarwal
HKU
Pihu Agarwal, chapte head of ThinkOcean HKU and a dedicated ecology and biodiversity student, is looking to improve ocean conservation efforts.
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Audrey
HKU
Audrey, a decision analytics student committed to sustainable solutions, is the Deputy Chair of ThinkOcean HKU, passionately dedicated to protecting the ocean.
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Alice Lau
CUHK
Alice is from Hong Kong, a final-year biology student at CUHK and an ocean enthusiast. She is currently the deputy chapter head of ThinkOcean CUHK and a research student at Coral Academy, Hongkong. She also goes ghost net cleanup sometimes. She's seen many wonders of the ocean that her amazement spilled over to her obligation to share them with our community, and hopes to induce united action to protect the ocean.