About Us

Tannia Frausto Illescas - Climate Change Director

Tannia Cristina Frausto Illescas is the Climate Change Director of WILDCOAST, where she oversees and coordinates our natural climate solutions and blue carbon programs in Mexico and California. Based out of Ensenada, Baja California, Tannia joined WILDCOAST in 2013 as the Oaxaca’s Coastal Coordinator where she initiated a program to protect the coral reefs of Huatulco National Park and helped to conserve globally important sea turtle nesting beaches. In 2015, Tannia coordinated a pioneering RAMSAR Wetlands of International Importance management program with Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Areas (CONANP), as our Conservation Management Coordinator. In 2017, Tannia was promoted to Wetlands and Climate Change Manager and helped to launch our blue carbon mangrove conservation and carbon sequestration work. Prior to joining WILDCOAST, Tannia carried out research and conservation work for the protection of coral reefs and sea turtles. Tannia holds a B.S. in Biology from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City and an M.S. in Marine Ecology from Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior (CICESE) in Ensenada.

Francisco Martínez Vázquez - Mangrove Conservation Director

Francisco Martínez Vázquez is the Mangrove Conservation Director. Based in Ensenada, Baja California, he manages conservation projects and management plan updates for the Valle de los Cirios Protected Area and the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, two of Mexico’s largest federal protected area. He is currently managing a mangrove restoration project in Laguna San Ignacio, in a partnership project with the UNDP. Francisco joined WILDCOAST in 2015, and helped to carry out the management plan for the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve as well as carry out stewardship programs for the Valle de los Cirios. Before joining WILDCOAST, he worked as a field supervisor for the National Commission of Forestry (CONAFOR) and as a consultant for wildlife conservation projects for organizations such as Mexico´s Wildlife Consultants and Pronatura Noroeste. Previously, he served as Deputy Director of Fauna in the General Forestry Directorate and Wildlife Interest of SAGARPA in the state of Sonora. He holds a B.S. in Biology from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and a M.S. in Ecosystem Management from the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz.

Mitzi Estefanía Gutiérrez Hernández - Oaxaca Mangrove Restoration Manager

Mitzi Estefanía Gutiérrez Hernández is the Mangrove Restoration Manager in Huatulco, Oaxaca. She designs and implements mangrove restoration and management strategies for the coast of Chiapas and Oaxaca and helps lead awareness training + workshops with coastal communities. Before joining WILDCOAST, she worked in the Sembrando Vida program, where she coordinated the restoration of mangroves on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec with community groups. Mitzi has a degree in Biology from the Instituto Tecnológico del Valle de Oaxaca and a Master's Degree in Natural Resources and Rural Development from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur with a specialty in Natural Resources.

Celeste Ortega - Mangrove Conservation Manager

Celeste Ortega Trasviña is the Mangrove Conservation Manager at WILDCOAST. Based in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Celeste leads our federal conservation concessions program where she helps to protect thousands of acres of globally important and carbon sequestering coastal ecosystems. She also works closely with outfitters, community members and government officials to promote environmental services and best tourism practices for mangroves, birds and marine mammals in communities of Baja California Sur. Celeste joined WILDCOAST in 2017 as the Coastal Conservation Coordinator where she helped to plan the protection of mangrove ecosystems throughout Northwest Mexico. Before joining WILDCOAST, she conducted extensive field work along the coast of Baja California Peninsula and worked as a Technical Advisor of the Conservation Program and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in the Gulf of California (BioMar), implemented by the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) in collaboration with CONANP. Celeste received a B.S. in Marine Biology from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur in La Paz. She also received a certification in Environmental Management from the Autonomous University of Baja California.

Lisa Gilfillan - Ocean Conservation Manager

Lisa Gilfillan is the WILDCOAST Ocean Conservation Manager. Based in San Diego, she joined the team in 2020 and is working to conserve Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in California through compliance and monitoring initiatives. Lisa is co-chair of the San Diego County MPA Collaborative and manages the MPA Watch Network, collecting human use data in and around protected areas. Prior to arriving at WILDCOAST, Lisa worked as a guide and tour developer at the SD Zoo Safari Park (2009); an Education Coordinator for I Love A Clean San Diego (2011); as an Education Coordinator at Birch Aquarium at Scripps (2011); and as a fisheries biologist for the National Forest Service (2003). Lisa holds a B.S. from Bowling Green State University and an M.S. from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.

Luis Rojas Cruz - Oaxaca Coast Manager

Luis Angel Rojas Cruz is the Oaxaca Coast Manager. Based in Huatulco, Oaxaca. He joined WILDCOAST in 2018 and helped to protect the Morro Ayuta sea turtle nesting beach. He also carried out environmental education programs for students from indigenous communities located along the southern Oaxaca coastline. Before joining WILDCOAST, Luis worked as a Project Coordination for Tierra Verde Naturaleza y Cultura, based in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Luis holds a B.S. in Biology from the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo.

Rebeca Melendez - Coral Conservation Manager

Rebeca Meléndez Rosas is the Coral Conservation Manager at WILDCOAST and is based in La Paz, Baja California Sur. She oversees our coral reef conservation program by leading monitoring efforts with researchers, outfitters and protected area staff to improve the management of corals and aquatic ecosystems in federal protected areas through Mexico´s Pacific coast. Rebeca first joined WILDCOAST in 2017 as Conservation Coordinator for Northwest Mexico. Before joining WILDCOAST, she carried out conservation and research projects in Cabo Pulmo, Los Cabos and in fisheries refugees in Baja California Sur. Rebecca holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur and an M.S. in Conservation of Natural Resources and Rural Development from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in México.

Rosario Norzagaray - Marine Debris Manager

Rosario Norzagaray is the Marine Debris Manager at WILDCOAST and is based in Tijuana, Baja California. She joined the WILDCOAST team in 2020 and is coordinating efforts to reduce the tsunami of ocean-bound solid waste that impacts more than 100,000 acres of federal, state and local coastal, island and marine protected areas on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Rosario has more than 20 years experience working in urban solid waste management, and developing self-sustaining community projects. She has also worked in public administration, the private sector, municipal public services and environmental impact consulting. Rosario holds a B.S. in Nursing from the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, a B.S. in Psychology from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, and an M.S. in Environmental Management from the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana.

Paula Tussie Berdichevsky - Mexico Communications and Public Policy Manager

Paula is the Mexico Communications and Public Policy Manager at WILDCOAST. She is responsible for seeking direct contact with politicians and policy makers in Mexico City, to promote public policy in favor of mangroves and other blue-carbon ecosystems. She was born and lives in Mexico City. Paula holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science by the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). Before working in WILDCOAST, she has worked on research and evaluation of social and educational programs and policies, both on the academic and private sector. She’s also been a volunteer in the Tierra Linda Reserve, in the Peruvian Amazon, where participated in a reforestation program; and at Enlace Rural, an organization that works hand in hand with rural communities in Mexico. As part of her work in Enlace Rural, she worked with the women of Saucillo, a community in the Hidalgo Mountain Range, teaching diverse courses to promote their empowerment within the community. Her biggest passion is the environment and nature, and she seeks to continue studying to devote her professional career to environmental policy.

Rafael Paredes Montesinos - Wildlands Manager

Rafael Paredes Montesinos is the Wildlands Manager based in Ensenada, Baja California. He works on management and conservation strategies to protect coastal desert ecosystems, dunes, estuaries, sandy beaches, rocky points and the biodiversity of wild lands of the Baja California Peninsula, one of the largest preserved desert regions in the Pacific Ocean coast of North America. Before joining WILDCOAST he worked for 8 years for the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) in Chiapas and Baja California, coordinating biological monitoring programs in coastal wetlands and community training operations. He also worked alongside PRONATURA SUR as coordinator of mangrove restoration through hydrological rehabilitation actions, and training of community groups. Rafael has a degree in Biology from the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas and has just completed his master's degree in management of arid zone ecosystems from the Autonomous University of Baja California in Ensenada.

Yolanda Garces Nicholson - Operations and Human Resources Manager

Yolanda Garces Nicholson is the Operations and HR Manager at WILDCOAST. Based in San Diego, she manages WILDCOAST’s day-to-day Operations, and Human Resources functions and ensures that the organization's practices meet regulatory standards and nonprofit best practices, and align with its mission . Yolanda joined the WILDCOAST team in 2015. Prior to that she worked in the private sector for many years as executive assistant to CEOs, CFOs and Directors in the packing and paper industry. Yolanda holds a B.S. in Accounting from the Universidad de Carabobo in Valencia, Venezuela, and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership and Human Resources from Brandman University.

Rosa Osuna - Administrative Manager, Mexico

Rosa Osuna is the Administrative Manager, Mexico at WILDCOAST where she oversees all of our finances, human resources and administration. Based in Ensenada, Baja California, Rosa joined the Mexico team in 2009 when WILDCOAST opened an office in Ensenada. Prior to joining WILDCOAST, she was an administrative assistant for transnational conservation projects at the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) in 2005, and Assistant Director of Financial Resources at the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education in Ensenada (CICESE) in 2007. Roa holds a B.A. Business Administration from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California in Ensenada and a Specialization in Finance from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California in Tijuana.

Carlos Callado - Blue Carbon Conservation Coordinator

Carlos Callado is the Blue Carbon Conservation Coordinator at WILDCOAST based in San Diego, CA. Carlos is the field coordinator for WILDCOAST’s U.S. Blue Carbon Program, where he oversees the research, restoration, and advocacy of blue carbon ecosystems in Southern California. He holds the title of visiting scholar at Scripps Institution of Oceanography where he collaborates with partner organizations and researchers to better understand the carbon storing power of blue carbon ecosystems. From 2018-2020 he was an intern on WILDCOAST’s conservation team. He also volunteered as a research assistant at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. B.A. Environmental Policy, UC-San Diego.

Gabriela García Vázquez - Oaxaca Coast Coordinator

Gabriela García Vázquez is WIDCOAST’s Oaxaca Coast Coordinator, in Huatulco, Oaxaca. She promotes training and social awareness in relation to the protection of coral, sea turtle, and mangrove ecosystems among communities on the Oaxaca coast. Gabriela first joined WILDCOAST in 2020 as a fellow in the “Young Building the Future” program. During that year, Gabriela was trained in the Mangrove Conservation and Coral Conservation programs in La Paz, Baja California Sur (BCS). Before joining WILDCOAST, Gabriela was part of the “Sharks and Rays” project and was in charge of the logistics of field trips and sampling in artisanal fishing fields in different regions of BCS. Gabriela is a Biologist from the Faculty of Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and has a Master of Science in Marine Resource Management from the Interdisciplinary Center of Marine Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute.

Jules Jackson - Outreach and Indigenous Engagement Coordinator

Jules Jackson is the WILDCOAST Outreach and Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, based in San Diego, CA. Joining the team in 2021, Jules works to conserve our coast and ocean through youth engagement, public outreach, monitoring, and stewardship. Jules is expanding on and developing new community partnerships, creating new youth conservation opportunities, and engaging community members, especially from Indigenous and underserved communities, in the conservation of their coastal and marine spaces. Jules grew up at the beach in Delaware and is a member of the Nanticoke Nation/Tidewater People. She is a docent at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and volunteers at Birch Aquarium as a Tidepool Interpreter and Open Ocean Whale Watch Instructor. Jules has completed research on the Tribal Intertidal Digital Ecological Surveys (TIDES)- a partnership between Scripps and the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation documenting climate change and sea level rise. She serves on the ‘Matlahuayl Project’ promoting Indigenous inclusion for our local marine protected areas. Jules graduated with a degree in Political Science and Minor in Naval Science at Villanova University where she was Division I Track & Field athlete.

Omar Perez - Accounting Coordinator

Omar is the Accounting Coordinator at WILDCOAST. He joined the WILDCOAST team in 2008. He’s a former business owner and has also worked in the government and corporate business sectors. He has a strong background in bookkeeping, accounting and other business fields. He assists with the managing and administration of the HR, Payroll, Benefits and organization Operations functions. He also handles and assists with the bookkeeping and accounting responsibilities.

Yehuda Ben-Hamo - Conservation Outreach and Media Coordinator

Yehuda Ben-Hamo is WILDCOAST's Conservation Outreach and Media Coordinator. You can often find Yehuda in the field, locally in San Diego, at remote project sites in Oaxaca, or deep along the Baja California Peninsula. He helps manage WILDCOAST's content production in the US and Mexico and helps support every program through digital storytelling. In addition, Yehuda helps oversee our international media channels, supports our development team, assists with outreach events and activities, and works with our California Oceans team to enhance conservation policy. Yehuda is very active on behalf of environmental + humanitarian issues. He is the founder of The CORE Project - an NGO focused on enhancing ocean safety through research, outreach, and education - based in San Diego County. He holds a Bachelor's in Environmental Studies from California State University.

Lillie Mulligan - Ocean Conservation Coordinator

Lillie is the Ocean Conservation Coordinator based out of San Diego, CA. Lillie works to support WILDCOAST's in-field conservation efforts including MPA compliance initiatives, MPA Watch, M2 RADAR, wetland restoration, and outreach. She received a B.S. in Environmental Systems with minors in Sociology and Climate Change Studies from UC-San Diego in the Spring of 2022. Lillie continues to follow her passion for surfing as she leads a women’s surf collective at UC-San Diego, Betty Boarders, which she helped cofound in 2020.

Sara Leal - Media and Public Relations Coordinator

Media and Public Relations Coordinator Sara coordinates the logistics of our activities for timely dissemination in traditional and digital media in Mexico. Sara helps make graphic records of our activities to tell stories to the media and as evidence of the work being done for the recovery of solid waste in Tijuana. Sara also helps coordinate media tours and press conferences that help raise awareness in the community about waste management and recovery in Tijuana.

Joe Cooper - MPA Contractor

Based in San Diego County, Joe has spent his life both recreating and working along California’s coast. His knowledge of the local San Diego County waters, fishing, boats, and underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV) have contributed greatly to WILDCOAST’s successful management of San Diego County Marine Protected Areas. Joe's contributions to WILDCOAST projects include providing access to on-water boat based surveys that help support ongoing MPA enforcement and compliance projects and policy initiatives, underwater ROV operations for community outreach and Explore My MPA Project activities, and general consulting services for water-based activities and programs. Joe started as a volunteer for WILDCOAST in 2014 and has played a critical role in advancing the local management of MPAs as a member of the San Diego County MPA Collaborative. Prior to his work with WILDCOAST, Joe coordinated land tracking of mountain lions for a UC Berkeley funded study in San Diego County. When not working on his boat or ROVs, Joe enjoys fishing, surfing, and backcountry exploring.

Gustavo Zambrano Cabrera - Mexico Field Technician, Contractor

Gustavo Zambrano Cabrera is a field technician for the WILDCOAST sea turtle program based in Oaxaca. Before joining the organization, Gustavo worked with Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, from 2008 to 2015 as the technical manager and facilitator for olive ridley sea turtle monitoring and conservation programs at Ixtapilla beach in the state of Michoacán. Gustavo is currently developing olive ridley turtle monitoring activities and hatchling success at the Playa Escobilla Sanctuary in collaboration with staff from the Mexican Turtle Center. Gustavo is a biologist who graduated from the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas.

Kelvin Saint García - Mexico Field Technician, Contractor

Kelvin Saint García is a field technician for WILDCOAST’s sea turtle programs based in Oaxaca. In 2019, he was a fellow partner of the Federal Future Youth Building Program with WILDCOAST, in 2020 he became a field technician where his main activities consist of monitoring of olive ridley turtle arrivals at Morro Ayuta Beach, and collaborating with the staff of the Mexican Turtle Center to help protect more than a million olive ridley turtles that come to nest along the beaches of Oaxaca. Kelvin is a Biotechnologist engineer and graduated from University of Veracruz.

Samantha Campbell - Ocean Conservation Senior Intern

Based in San Diego, Sam assists with WILDCOAST's research, education, and outreach efforts. Additionally, she creates content for social media and marketing. Prior to WILDCOAST, Sam worked and volunteered with Summit Land Conservancy in her hometown in Utah and created an award-winning short documentary. Sam is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from UC San Diego and is working towards combining her focus on environmental issues with her love for film/photography.

Eli Bazzo - Ocean Conservation Intern

Based in San Diego, Eliana contributes to our organization by working with the California Oceans Team on various projects to protect and conserve California's coast and ocean. Prior to WILDCOAST, Eliana worked on a field study in Panama studying marine ecosystems and how they are impacted by human development and tourism. She also served as the sustainability coordinator for her Greek life organization, implementing many initiatives including composting. Eliana is very passionate regarding environmental issues and educating the community regarding the importance of ocean conservation. She is completing her B.S. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources with a concentration in Environmental Affairs from Colorado State University.

Hunter Dellano - California Ocean Intern

Based in San Diego, Hunter is a WILDCOAST intern and contributes to our organization through helping monitor MPAs and also contributes to outreach. Prior to WILDCOAST, Hunter was a member of the SHPE organization at UCSD, and frequently participated in various outreach and professional events. Hunter is very active on behalf of environmental issues and hopes to one day contribute to improving our environment and how we view it as a whole, after he completes his Environmental Systems Degree at UCSD.

Ben Powers - California Ocean Intern

Based in San Diego, Ben contributes to field support and coordination of conservation and education projects. Prior to WILDCOAST, Ben worked at Bay Area Disc Association to manage a diversity and inclusion program and worked multiple other jobs in youth sports. Ben Is very passionate and active in local environmental organizations as the president of one of UCSD's gardens, as well as other efforts. They are currently working towards a B.S. in Environmental Systems from University of California, San Diego.

Johnathon Ervin - California Ocean Intern

Based in San Diego, Johnathon contributes to our organization’s monitoring and management of California’s coast and ocean. Prior to WILDCOAST, Johnathon volunteered in Antelope Valley’s local elections and worked in voter outreach. Johnathon is pursuing a B.S in Environmental Systems from UC San Diego.

Stephanie Mendez - California Ocean Intern

Stephanie is an intern working under the California Conservation team, based in San Diego, CA. Prior to WILDCOAST, Stephanie interned at Queens Botanical Garden as a teacher assistant, where students were taught fundamental gardening skills. Stephanie grew up in New Jersey and holds an A.S. in Professional Studies from Bergen Community College. She will be graduating in June 2023 from UC-San Diego with a B.A. in Environmental Systems and Policy.

Emilia Dziedzic - California Ocean Intern

Based in San Diego, Emilia contributes to our organization as a California Ocean Intern. Prior to WILDCOAST, Emilia worked with the Cutaneous Nerve Laboratory at The Johns Hopkins University as a lab technician. Emilia is an active member of the UCSD club sailing team and has a deep passion for wildlife and adventure. Emilia is currently working towards a B.A. in Environmental Systems: Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution from UCSD.