Our Team
The Team
Monika
Monika is an architecture graduate from Sam Ratulangi University in Manado, Indonesia, with deep roots in community leadership and a passion for sustainable development. With over a decade of experience as Director and Team Leader in consultancy firms specializing in urban planning, construction supervision, and environmental assessment, she has led multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects that align with both client goals and environmental standards. Beyond her technical expertise, Monika actively engages in church and social organizations, reflecting her strong commitment to community empowerment.
As the Director of Yayasan Gili Matra Bersama, Monika brings her strategic vision and dedication to guide impactful marine and coastal conservation initiatives in Indonesia.
Cenna
Cenna is a marine science graduate from Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Raised in a bustling metropolis, her curiosity led her to explore the marine world, where she has since established a strong foundation in coral reef monitoring, marine pharmacology, biotechnology, and seagrass conservation.
During her academic journey, Cenna achieved certifications as an open water diver and scientific diver. In 2022, she was awarded the Coral Catch Scholarship (Batch 2), which further fueled her commitment to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. As the Coral Catch Program Manager, Cenna aspires to empower more women to pursue careers in diving, marine conservation, and fisheries with confidence.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Cenna has a deep passion for photography, which she has nurtured since high school. She aspires to become an underwater photo-videographer, combining her love for visual storytelling with her dedication to ocean conservation.
Kinah
Kinah is a dedicated marine conservation enthusiast. Hailing from Bogor a city nestled close to the mountains but Kinah’s heart always belongs to the sea. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from Diponegoro University and PADI Instructor, Kinah combines a passion for marine science with a commitment to sustainability. Kinah believes that together we can protect our seas, allowing everyone to experience many magical moments underwater.
Ivonne
Ivonne has found her calling in marine conservation. Her deep love for the ocean has led her on an extraordinary journey, starting with her studies in Marine Science at the University of Mataram, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. During her time in college, Ivon was very active in various campus organizations and even served as the president of the Marine Science Student Association.
However, everything changed when she participated in the Coral Catch program, an experience that further strengthened her passion for marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. Her involvement in this program inspired her to focus her thesis on coral reefs, conducting her research in one of Lombok’s conservation areas.
Choosing a path different from her family’s tradition, Ivon has proven that working in marine conservation is not just a dream, but a meaningful way of life. Once aspiring to become an engineering technician, she has now found a greater purpose—fighting to ensure that our oceans are better in the future.
Tania
Tania has always loved being in the water, which naturally led her to fall in love with the ocean. She dreamed of becoming a marine biologist but kept it to herself because it felt unrealistic. That changed when she discovered the Marine Science program at her university and decided to give it a try. As she explored more, her interest in marine bio-ecology and conservation grew stronger. This passion led her to an opportunity to conduct elasmobranch research on one of Indonesia’s most remote islands.
Joining Coral Catch became a turning point in Tania’s journey. It helped her build confidence, sharpen her skills, and opened new opportunities—one of which was becoming a research assistant in Gili Matra, where she now focuses on a shark conservation project. Her work combines ecological research with community engagement, strengthening her understanding that conservation is not just about science, but also connects ecosystems, people, and purpose.
The dream that once felt too strange to say out loud has become her goal. Tania is now on the path to becoming a marine conservation scientist, committed to elasmobranch research and inclusive, community-based conservation in Indonesia.
Wika
Wika is a former journalist and an avid writer from Jakarta, Indonesia. Her adventurous spirit has taken her across various cities, from Surabaya to Jakarta, Depok, The Netherlands, Bali, and finally to the serene island of Gili Air.
Wika holds a master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies from The International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague. Her professional background includes roles as a journalist with VICE Media, a communications specialist for NGOs, and a creative consultant for the Ministry of ICT in Jakarta. However, her passion for marine conservation led her to make a significant career transition. She was selected for the Coral Catch scholarship program (Batch #5), where she deepened her knowledge of marine conservation and is now committed to pursuing her Instructor Development Course (IDC) in the future.