Our Team

Get to know our people

We take great pride in our dedicated team, whose collective passion drives our mission forward. At the heart of our project, we’re honored to have a strong operational team comprised of talented local women, working hand-in-hand with the researchers of NGO Gili Matra Bersama. Together, we’re committed to making a meaningful impact on marine conservation efforts in Indonesia and beyond.

Our Operational Team

Avicenna Wijayanto

Job position

Coral Catch Program Manager

Age

Batch graduated from

Batch 2

Hometown

Surabaya

After graduating from Coral Catch in 2022, Cenna returned to Java to immerse herself in various marine and fisheries projects. In November 2023, she joyfully reconnected with Coral Catch, this time stepping into the role of Program Manager. Outside of work, Cenna has a deep passion for photography, especially underwater photography. She believes in the power of visual storytelling and social media to raise awareness for ocean conservation and is determined to inspire the next generation.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

My favorite part about my current job is seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of new Superwomen eager to learn and explore new things. It's incredibly rewarding to witness their enthusiasm and growth. Plus, I also love the thrill of encountering sharks sometimes—it adds something really special to my job!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My mom is a big inspiration to me. She has many dreams and ambitions, but there are always obstacles holding her back. Her advice to me has been to pursue everything I want to do before settling down. I find inspiration in everyone I meet—some encourage me to take things slow, while others motivate me to keep pushing forward. It's like meeting the right person who inspires you exactly when you need it most.

Your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to become a divemaster, which would be a great achievement for me. I also aspire to receive a scholarship to become a dive instructor. Equally important to me is earning a master's degree and securing a research scholarship.

The best advice you’ve learnt/received?

Remember, we are all human beings with unique feelings and differences, but we can always find common ground. Life is not a race—take your time and enjoy the journey!

Sakinah Yusuf

Job position

Program Manager

Age

Batch graduated from

Batch 3

Hometown

Bogor

I used to be one of the Coral Catch girls back in 2022. I was amazed by the program and instantly fell in love with the vibes, energy, and supportive environment. It made me realize that this place will always feel like home. After graduating from the program with a deeper understanding of conservation, I continued working on a liveaboard, sharing knowledge on how to be a more responsible tourist.

After a while, I decided to leave the diving tourism industry and focus more on ocean conservation. In 2024, I returned to Coral Catch as part of the team, excited to inspire and be inspired by so many amazing people involved in the program.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Always love the moment when the new superwomen arrived in the island with their passion and energy excited to learn and discover so many new things. See them grow, learn new skills, mastery the skill and ready to make the bigger wave of change! to see them proud of themself for every achievement giving me such a rewarding feelings. Also this job giving me opportunity to connect with so many amazing people! strong, smart and kind women around the world!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Selfless people that dedicate their lives, time, energy to make and bring a change for Mother Earth. Protecting the environment and naturing the planet for the future generations. These people remind me that true fulfillment often comes from giving, not taking. Their passion is contagious, inspiring others to rethink their daily habits, to reduce waste, to cherish the beauty of the natural world.

Your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to live in harmony with the earth, have a small house close to the sea, just have a simple life, grow my own food in a small garden by the shore.

The best advice you’ve learnt/received?

If it excites you and scares you at the same time, it means you should do it!

Venny Lewis

Job position

Events & Community Engagement Intern

Age

Batch graduated from

Batch 10

Hometown

Medan

Venny is a spirited impact-driven doer with a soft spot for the ocean and individuals that get left behind. After working in tech for 2 years in Singapore, she returns to Indonesia following this calling and finds serendipity in her experiences as a Biorock volunteer diver in Bali and then as Coral Catch Superwomen Batch #10 in Gili Air. They opened connections and solidified her decision to switch careers into the blue office for marine conservation. Venny is infinitely grateful to have been given a chance to become a divemaster only one year after she started diving!

Out of the ocean, she channel her background in tech project management and multi-cultural context to synergize people-oriented solutions to empower others to protect the ocean. She loves cultural exchange, partner dancing (swing dancing, blues, salsa) and mindful living!

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love the balance between outdoor work and computer work, with the backdrop of island time where deadlines move with the flow🤣. The feeling that there is enough time and minimal urban distractions motivate me to labour with love and heart. Bonus: I get to always be curious about the ocean and its conservation!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

The strong women that I work with who support one another and JUST DO IT!

Your biggest dream?

To create a hostel that champions human connection with citizen of the world framework and develop minds to think and appreciate more (mindful living). Even better if I can include swing dancing and diving in there too! But ultimately, I want everyday to feel altogether a sense of belonging, progressing and self-expression in one place.

The best advice you’ve learnt/received?

Too many! Blessed to have many nuggets of wisdom over the years🩷 Best advice is freedom is found in knowing yourself (behaviour, values, priorities), and being brave to OWN your life and your decisions. Trust that whatever decision you make is the best decision you can make at that point in time.

Our Board of Advisors

Welcome to the Coral Catch Board of Advisors—a special group of three incredible women from diverse corners of the world, each bringing their own unique expertise and experiences to our mission. These women are not just advisors; they are our guiding lights and champions. Their involvement and support are crucial to our success, ensuring that we stay on course and achieve our goals. At Coral Catch, we have the privilege of reaching out to them with any questions, concerns, or ideas, knowing that their wisdom and encouragement will always be there to help us navigate this journey.

Caroline Pilz

Expertise: Marketing & Communication

“Coral Catch holds a special place in my heart for their unique efforts empowering Indonesian women to become managers of their own marine environments and preserving the beauty of our marine world. Beyond conservation, their commitment stands out, as I’ve personally seen how they involve and uplift individuals, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility that is truly inspiring.”

Clara Proutheau

Expertise: Funding & Conservation

“Collective effort is key for the successful preservation of marine ecosystems. By supporting a network of strong women and the engagement of coastal communities, Coral Catch is making waves for a sustainable change towards ocean conservation and women empowerment. I am proud to be part of that movement alongside such influential and inspiring people willing to make a change.”

Mélissa Bergeron

Expertise: Storytelling & Empowerment

“The big ocean challenges won’t be met without women. It is truly inspiring to see this community of passionate women creating new perspectives for our future ! Let’s make sure they dream big, and that they will never doubt about their strength and power.”