A panel discussion hosted by Black in Marine Science and the Strong Coasts project. BIMS CEO, Dr. Tiara Moore, will moderate this panel of experts and activists.
Dr. Tiara Moore is a dynamic and exuberant marine ecologist who has dedicated her career to creating equity in geosciences. As the founder and CEO of Black In Marine Science, Dr. Moore is currently a principal or co-principal investigator for over $10 million in NSF research grants. Dr. Moore was featured in Vogue Magazine for her expert opinion on the state of the ocean for World Ocean Day. She is also featured in both the Google Arts and Culture online platform and the California Academy of Sciences as a leading Queer Black woman in STEM. Most recently, Dr. Moore was awarded the CERF Diversity Equity Inclusion & Justice Champion Award.
Cindy Cattouse is a dynamic Belizean filmmaker and entrepreneur from Belize City. In 2021, she made a significant move to the coastal village of Placencia, initially working in the real estate sector. This new chapter brought her into contact with Tiara Moore, a conservationist and founder of Black In Marine Science. Inspired by Tiara’s passion for preserving Belize’s rich ecosystems, Cindy developed a desire to amplify the efforts of those committed to conservation.
Recognizing the power of storytelling in driving change, Cindy transitioned into entrepreneurship by founding Catt Studios, a digital marketing agency. Through Catt Studios, she has taken on impactful projects for Black In Marine Science, utilizing her filmmaking skills to highlight the crucial work being done to protect Belize's natural resources.
Yaya Coleman bio coming
Ms. Linda Garcia Accomplished leader in Belize aquaculture with a diverse background in marine conservation, sustainable aquaculture practices, and community engagement. Extensive experience in project management, training, and capacity building with a strong commitment to promoting sustainable practices in Belize. Recognized for exceptional leadership, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Natasha Gibson is a resident of Placencia Village, a coastal community in southern Belize. Growing up next to the sea, she developed a deep love for nature and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Witnessing the degradation of her marine environment and the Belizean Barrier Reef due to human impacts inspired her to pursue sustainable conservation efforts. Since 2006, Natasha has been a member of the Placencia Tour Guide Association and is a licensed National Tour Guide of Belize. In 2017, she joined Fragments of Hope as a coral reef restoration practitioner focusing on preserving and reviving the region’s coral ecosystem. She is currently a 2024 NSF Strong Coast COPE Community Fellow through the University of South Florida.
As a Kriol Belizean woman, Natasha brings a unique perspective on the environmental changes occuring in Belize. However, voices from communities like hers are underrepresented in global discussions on coral conservation and restoration. As an environmental advocate, her mission is to change this narrative and ensure that she is able to use her voice to talk about the impact and uplift the work of individuals from coastal communities. Attending the Reef Futures conference will allow Natasha to connect with other reef restoration practitioners, particularly those from developing countries, and further develop her skills and career. She is committed to sharing the impactful work being done in Belize and remains hopeful that continued action can secure a sustainable future for both coral reefs and future generations.
Delcia Leonora McDougall is a resident of Placencia Village, a vibrant coastal community in Belize. She is currently a 2024 NSF Strong Coast COPE Community Fellow in Public Relations through the University of South Florida. In this role she serves as a liaison with community organizations and members to help build local capacity/increase knowledge of Belize’s marine ecosystem. She is a graduate from Georgetown Technical High. Delcia has also worked in the food and hospitality industry holding positions at renowned establishments such as the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina, Rumfish, Maya Beach Bistro and is the current Manager of the Little Water Wine Bar. She recently completed national tour guide training and looks forward to being a licensed Belizean tour guide.
Delcia has had a strong connection to the sea and its surrounding environment from birth. Being born and raised in a coastal community has resulted in Delcia being passionate about having a meaningful impact on her community and environment. Her dream is to share her love for the waters by becoming a fly fishing guide, a career that perfectly blends her deep appreciation for nature, desire to introduce others to Belize’s rich aquatic life, and extensive background in hospitality management.
Maya Trotz, Ph.D., BCEEM, is a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida. She leads several interdisciplinary US National Science Foundation grants focused on integrating community engaged solutions with engineering research and education. One of those is the Large-Scale Coastlines and People: Strong Coasts Project for equitable solutions with nature and people that works in Belize with Fragments of Hope and WWF Mesoamerica. She has over two decades of experience collaborating with communities from Tampa Bay to rural Iowa on stormwater management and nitrogen pollution. She has led projects to improve research experiences for high school and university students and teachers, in the US, and the Caribbean. She is the first Black President of the Association of Environmental Engineering & Science Professors, an Elates@Drexel Leadership Fellow, a board member of Fragments of Hope Corp, and a recipient of a Black In Marine Science Advocacy Award in 2022. She holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from MIT, MS and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and graduated from Queen’s College High in Guyana.
Dr. Dassia Uclez is the Project Officer for Waste Recycling Environment Network. A passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and plastic pollution mitigation, she founded the 3Rs Project, which transforms waste into art while fostering sustainable practices. Her work extends to local communities, where she has built strong relationships with fishermen, women, youth, and environmental organizations in coastal regions like Seine Bight Village, Placencia, Dangriga, and Hopkins. Through her hands-on approach in community workshops and sustainable fishing initiatives, she empowers local stakeholders to engage in conservation and recycling efforts. This community-driven approach integrates local knowledge with sustainable practices, ensuring that her projects have a meaningful impact at the grassroots level. Dassia holds an Associate Degree in Veterinary Medicine from Galen University, along with an Associate Degree in Primary Education from Ecumenical Junior College, a Bachelor's Degree in Equine Medicine from Escuela de Veterinarios en México, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Equine Bone Diseases.
Andria Villanueva is a coral reef restoration specialist, fisherwoman, divemaster, and swim instructor. Born in Placencia, Belize, Andria has spent her life empowering woman by working on the sea. She is one of the only licensed fisherwomen in Placencia and has been diving and conducting coral reef restoration for over 10 years. To increase safe access and enjoyment of the ocean in Belize, Andria founded Successfully, Swimming and Smiling, a swim school, where she provides swim lessons to local youth and community members.