MEET THE TEAM
DR. YOLANDA WATERS
Founder & CEO Yolanda is a marine social scientist, climate communications specialist and ocean leader dedicated to creating a climate movement as diverse as our oceans. Her doctoral research focused on understanding how connections to the ocean could be leveraged to engage people with climate change.
SARAH FRANKE
Industry Engagement Lead Sarah is a marine biologist, Divemaster, and experienced industry liaison dedicated to ocean conservation and climate action.
KIM MCCOSKER
Policy and Impact Lead Kim is a climate adaptation specialist committed to supporting communities on the frontlines of climate change through locally led adaptation and intersectional approaches to climate action.
ELLA WAKE
Exmouth Hub Lead Ella is a Marine Scientist and Underwater Photographer by trade. She lives in Exmouth and spends time on the Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) Reef most days, working on a whaleshark tourism boat. She loves freediving, SCUBA diving (including scientific), surfing and capturing seascapes. She is passionate about protecting the place she loves the most and connecting others to it.
GABRIELA JELIAZKOV
Cairns Hub Lead Gabriela is an environmentalist with degrees in ecology and climate science. Before entering the marine industry, she specialized in tropical ecology and zero waste. She now works on the Great Barrier Reef as an underwater photographer and marine biology snorkel guide. She loves spending time outdoors - be that on land or in the water - and is passionate about combining conservation, environmental science, and science communication. She hopes to pursue a Masters degree in Marine Biology in order to someday work in coral restoration.
MEET THE BOARD
Board Director A passionate climate leader dedicated to advancing climate action through strategic partnerships and systems thinking. As Head of Commercial & Partnerships at The Climate Risk Group, he works to embed physical climate risk data into decision-making frameworks across sectors, with a focus on resilience and adaptation strategies. With roots in the dive industry, Miguel has spent over 15 years connecting people to ocean ecosystems through tourism, education, and advocacy. In 2012, he founded the Wetsuit Walk, a community-powered campaign that raised awareness and funds for shark conservation and marine protection.He continues to teach and mentor within the diving community and brings lived experience working across cultures, coastlines, and causes — always with a focus on equity, impact, and collaboration.
Board Director A people and culture leader, HR director, and founder of a boutique HR consultancy focused on human capital, talent strategy, and organisational transformation. With over two decades of experience across higher education, aviation, not‑for‑profit, and corporate environments, he has led end‑to‑end talent solutions, HR transformation, and workforce planning initiatives lifting capability, culture, and performance.​ Kuren holds postgraduate HR qualifications and professional certifications through leading HR bodies. Passionate about sustainability and social impact, he brings a values‑driven lens to governance and people strategy, believing that climate action, social responsibility, and talent management are deeply interconnected. As a board member of Divers for Climate, he contributes HR and leadership abilities to support a just transition and resilient,
MAYLEAH HOUSE
Secretary & Acting Chair A climate specialist with expertise across advocacy, sustainable finance and entrepreneurship. She began her career as a commercial lawyer at a top-tier law firm before taking a sabbatical that reshaped her trajectory. While working as a divemaster in Honduras, May witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change on a reef - a visceral experience that compelled her to redirect her legal skills toward climate action. Over the past decade, May has led campaigns for leading environmental NGOs, shaped national climate and investment policies as the Australian policy specialist for the UNPRI, and headed the sustainability stewardship program of a prominent ethical fund manager. She currently leads the impact and commercial strategy for an ocean-based climate startup. May holds a Masters of Environment & Sustainability from Monash University, completed through a 2021 Westpac Future Leaders scholarship, as well as a Bachelor of Laws and Behavioural Science (Psychology) from QUT.
JAKE ATKINSON
Treasurer A Principal in Climate Risk. He is a subject matter expert in sustainability reporting with an extensive experience across the intersection of climate risk and non-financial reporting, having previously delivered the climate change policy of Palau, lead numerous climate risk assessments and net zero strategies.
MIGUEL GARRIDO
KUREN GALANT
MEREDITH EPP
Board Director A sustainability professional with over a decade of experience working in marine conservation, sustainable fishing, circularity, and nature. She has worked with some of the largest global and APAC brands, retailers, governments, and NGOs to deliver solutions to create a thriving planet for future generations. She has a background in communications, sustainable finance and marine science. A lover of both the mountains and the sea, Meredith is thrilled to join the Divers for Climate board to ensure generations to come can enjoy the wonders of the underwater world.
MEET OUR ADVISORS
BECKY EVERS
Design Advisor
NATALIA MILOJEVIC
Climate Risk Advisor
PARTNERS
