All ideas require resources and sometimes securing your support seems out of reach. Did you just start a nonprofit? Are conducting research? Maybe you want to launch a business. Or maybe you have a community group. This workshop is for you.

Valentina De Leo is a passionate environmentalist striving to reconnect society with nature. She holds a degree in International Relations with a specialization in Environment and Sustainability from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico and has developed her professional career across three different sectors: NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector, always focusing on environmental issues. Her first engagement with ocean-related topics was through the foundation Plastic Oceans Mexico, an organization that operates through education, activism, legislation, and science. She later worked as a technical advisor for the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) on the IKI IBA Program, which focuses on integrating biodiversity into Mexican agriculture. Today, Valentina is part of the New Ventures team, an accelerator for environmental and social impact ventures, where she serves as Project Manager for the MAR+Invest program.

Ninette Quiles, born in Orlando, Florida, and raised in Puerto Rico, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in grants administration and law. She holds a bachelor's degree in French studies, two master’s degrees in translation, and a Juris Doctor. Licensed to practice law in Puerto Rico, Ninette spent three years practicing law before transitioning to the grants sector. She currently serves as Director of Grants Administration for a nonprofit, leading a team in managing complex grants and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Ninette has also lived abroad in France and Spain, enriching her global perspective. 

Angeline Valentine currently works as Project Consultant for the Belize Marine Fund program of MAR Fund. She holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management from Duke University, as well as a BSc. in Biology and Natural Resources Management from the University of Belize. She was the recipient of an OAS-Fulbright Fellowship to pursue graduate studies at Duke. Angeline has worked in grants making since 2007 and is based in Belize City, with her family.