MEET THE TEAM
DR. YOLANDA WATERS
Founder & CEO 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.
BECKY EVERS
Communications Lead A communications and brand strategist, designer, and underwater photographer, focused on building powerful narratives and communities around oceans and climate. Becky has worked in marine research and tourism for the past 8 years, certified Freediving, Dive and First Aid instructor.
SARAH FRANKE
Industry Engagement Lead A marine biologist, Divemaster, and experienced industry liaison dedicated to ocean conservation and climate action.
KIM MCCOSKER
Policy and Impact Lead 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.
MEET THE BOARD
DAYANA BROOK
Chair A sustainable tourism strategist, researcher, and advocate dedicated to advancing climate action and regeneration in the travel industry. Raised in Australia with Chilean roots, she brings a lifelong passion for nature, culture, and environmental stewardship to her work. As the founder of The Sustainable Traveller and a consultant with a research-led approach, she focuses on reducing emissions, elevating community and Indigenous leadership, and reshaping tourism systems. Guided by her experiences as a mother, hiker, and photographer, Dayana champions nature-centred solutions and a future where travel restores the places it touches.
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 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.
RESEARCH ADVISORS
PARTNERS
