Meet the RISE UP Team

Executive Director

Flora has extensive experience in advocacy, campaign strategy and coalition-building across climate, environmental and ocean issues. She has worked with organizations including Friends of the Earth, WaterAid, Blue Ventures and the Transform Bottom Trawling Coalition to advance climate action, marine conservation and environmental justice.

Programme Manager

Sivaja is a social scientist focused on ocean governance, climate justice and community rights. At RISE UP, she advances inclusive approaches to marine conservation and small-scale fisheries governance, supporting the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. She previously worked with ICSF and UNICEF on human rights, conservation and sustainable ocean management across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Senior Campaigner

Khadija is Senior Campaigner at RISE UP for the Ocean, leading work on ocean and climate advocacy, including deep-sea mining. She has represented Caribbean perspectives at the International Seabed Authority, UN Ocean Conferences and UNFCCC COPs, bringing frontline realities into global decision-making spaces. Her work connects science, law and policy with storytelling and creativity to make ocean governance more accessible and support just, resilient ocean-climate solutions.

Strategic Communications Lead

Cheila is a marine biologist, diver, and ocean educator with 7+ years of experience in conservation, communications and strategic partnerships. Her work focuses on aquaculture, fish health, biodiversity and sustainability, supporting efforts to reduce environmental impacts. She has collaborated with NGOs, community-led movements, and corporate partners, and serves as a Scientific Advisor for the Shark Educational Institute. A former Eurocean Youth Ambassador for Surfrider Foundation Europe, she has represented youth voices in EU ocean governance. At RISE UP, she integrates science, strategy, and storytelling to advance inclusive ocean governance.

Communications and Membership Coordinator

Natalie is a sustainability postgraduate, ocean advocate and communications consultant with experience in community engagement, ocean activism and environmental outreach. Her work focuses on ocean literacy, inclusion and community-led ocean action. She has worked with the UN Ocean Decade through IOC-UNESCO's ECOP Programme, serves on the UK National Decade Committee and leads Citizens of Surf, a project connecting surfers with marine citizen science.