Discover the team behind the science, storytelling, and community action.
Meet Our Team
At The Leatherback Project, our strength lies in our people. From passionate scientists and dedicated conservationists to creative storytellers and community leaders, our team brings together diverse expertise to protect leatherback sea turtles and the ecosystems they depend on. Get to know the individuals driving our research, outreach, and action. Each person is committed to making a lasting impact for our ocean and the communities connected to them.
Meet Our Founder
Callie Veelenturf
Founder & Executive Director
Callie is a leading marine conservation biologist and voice for nature who inspires and influences high-impact conservation measures, using collaborative scientific research initiatives, with a focus on marine turtles and ecosystems, to connect indigenous and marginalized communities with government agencies to propose and achieve paramount environmental protections and advancements in the global recognition of the intrinsic Rights of Nature.
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Callie is a National Geographic Explorer, Scientist with the United Nations Harmony with Nature Programme.
Explore more about Callie's high-impact conservation measures
Meet Our Team
Nikki Riddy
Director of Impact Media
Nikki Riddy is a photographer and filmmaker based on Vancouver Island, Canada, known for her conservation storytelling. Her work emphasizes the urgent need to preserve the planet's diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
With an educational background in chemistry and applied ethics, Nikki merges science and creativity to produce impactful visuals that engage and inspire action. Her career has taken her from Alaska to Argentina, capturing breathtaking ecosystems and the people working to protect them.
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Nikki’s dedication to conservation storytelling has led her to work with marine conservation nonprofits such as The Leatherback Project, SeaLegacy, and OnlyOne. Her work has garnered significant recognition, including two Telly Awards in the “Editing: Online Craft” category.
Valerie Stephens
Marketing Communications Consultant
Valerie Stephens is the Marketing Communications Consultant at The Leatherback Project. At the nexus of climate action and sustainable solutions, she creates strategies and content that instill hope and move audiences into action.
Before she worked in the ocean sector, Valerie once delved into data science exploration at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, where she worked as a digital strategist. Her love for new, exciting technological breakthroughs has carried into her current work integrating technology, science, and storytelling.
Originally hailing from the frozen tundra of Minnesota, USA, and nowhere near an ocean, Valerie graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in Music Business.
Aida (Aidita) Magaña
Community Leader,
Pearl Islands Archipelago Mission Blue Hope Spot Champion
Panama
I'm a Panamanian Nautical Engineer with Saboga roots. After graduating from the International Maritime University of Panama in 2012, I worked in thermoelectric plants and ship repairs until 2019. I later earned a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from the Technological University of Panama in 2022.
My journey in conservation began when I joined the CONAP project in the Pearl Islands, becoming a community leader in the creation of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge. In 2023, I was honored as a Hope Spot Champion by Mission Blue. Since then, I’ve actively contributed to marine species conservation alongside organizations like The Leatherback Project, MiAmbiente, and SENAN. I'm deeply grateful for the people and experiences that continue to guide my path in protecting our ocean.
Katie Miller
Director of Finance & Administration
Coming soon!
Amanda Rocafuerte
Country Director
Ecuador
Coming soon!
Ariel Cajar
Boat Caption and
Ecotourism Guide
Panama
Coming soon!
Mackenzie Govett
Impact Media Specialist
Coming soon!
Luis Paladines
Country Director
Ecuador
Coming soon!
Meet Our Government Liaisons & Collaborators
Marino Abrego
Research Association Liaison, Ministry of the Environment
Panama
Hi, I’m Marino, a biologist specializing in zoology with a strong commitment to ocean conservation—especially the protection of sea turtles and their ecosystems. I have extensive experience in wildlife monitoring, environmental management, and coastal marine resource assessment. Since 2009, I’ve represented Panama in regional and international sea turtle conservation initiatives, including the Inter-American Convention and the IUCN Sea Turtle Specialist Group. Currently, I coordinate Panama’s National Program for the Protection, Conservation, and Research of Sea Turtles at MiAMBIENTE. My work is driven by both scientific dedication and a deep personal connection to these vital marine species.
Captain Genoveva Forero
Official Security Liaison, National Air and Navy Service
Panama
Coming soon!
Ramiselia Ramirez
Research Associate Liaison, Authority of Aquatic Resources (ARAP)
Panama
My name is Ramiselia Ramírez, I live in Panama City, born in the indigenous region of Guna Yala in the community called Achutupu. Since I was little I have always liked to care for and conserve the environment, which is why I am a biologist. I work at the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama in the General Directorate of Research and Development. In 2020, a special person named Callie appeared in my life who changed my thinking about the conservation of sea turtles, where my first job was the survey for artisanal fishermen of the Pearl Archipelago. Since then I have been supporting the NGO and I hope to continue supporting her with many more projects.
Meet Our Principal International Collaborators
Karla Barrientos Muñoz
Founder & Director,
Fundación Tortugas del Mar
Colombia
Coming soon!
Callie Broaddus
Founder & Director, RESERVA
International
Coming soon!
Jeffrey LeBlanc
Founder & President,
Mare Nostrum Foundation
Ecuador
Coming soon!
Meet Our Science Advisors
Dr. Kate Mansfield
Davis-Shine Endowed Professor of Conservation Biology,
University of Central Florida
USA
Coming soon!
Dr. Kara Dodge
Research Scientist,
Anderson Cabot Center,
New England Aquarium
International
Coming soon!
Dr. Bryan Wallace
Founder,
Ecolibrium
International
Coming soon!
Meet Our Students & Youth Leaders
Graduate Student Advisors
Christina Langford
Graduate Thesis Student, Scripps Institution of Oceanography,
University of California
Santa Cruz
USA
It was love at first sight for me when I saw my very first sea turtle during a sea turtle nesting nternship in Ostional, Costa Rica. I have done sea turtle monitoring work both on nesting beaches and in water for the past 5 years, and have been fortunate to work with 5 of the 7 species of turtles. During those experiences I learned about the many threats sea turtles face, and that fisheries bycatch is the main threat to many populations. I am now learning the interdisciplinary skills necessary to work collaboratively with stakeholders like fishers to find solutions to the bycatch issues while also protecting stakeholder livelihoods.
Undergraduate Student Advisors
Geanina Cárdenas García
Undergraduate
Thesis Student
Panama
My name is Geanina Cárdenas García, and I was born in Panama, in a picturesque township surrounded by nature, on the banks of one of the cleanest rivers in the capital city. Since I was little, I grew up in an environment full of biodiversity, which sparked my passion for nature and the importance of water. This love for the natural world led me to study Marine Biology, and I am currently in the final phase of my degree, working on my thesis about coral reef conservation.
Lineylis (Liz) Rios
Undergraduate
Thesis Student
Panama
I am Lineylis Annette Ríos Núñez, a 24-year-old young woman, born in the province of Colón. My passion for nature and the protection of marine species led me to undertake an exciting career in Marine Biology and Limnology, which I am about to complete. During my academic journey, I had the privilege of collaborating with the organization Leatherback Project, where I was able to dive even deeper into my love of marine life. A life-changing experience was my time in the community of Armila, where I not only had the opportunity to learn about their fascinating customs, but also to join their efforts dedicated to the conservation of leatherback turtles. My commitment to the protection of our marine species and the conservation of the environment continues to be the driving force behind my steps. I am excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing to contribute to the well-being of our precious marine ecosystem.
Wiguidili Crespo
Undergraduate
Thesis Student
Panama
I was born in Armila, Guna Yala, Panama, where the richness of nature and Guna culture shaped my early life. My passion for the ocean began in childhood, inspired by cultural traditions and memories of monitoring leatherback turtles with my father. These majestic creatures hold deep meaning in our community and sparked my journey into Marine Biology and Limnology. I'm currently completing my thesis with the support of the Leatherback Project, a collaboration that has deepened my commitment to marine conservation.
Astrid González
Undergraduate
Thesis Student
Panama
I'm a Panamanian biology student specializing in Marine Biology and Limnology, a field that has strengthened my commitment to the conservation of marine ecosystems.. My passion for nature began in my teens through the Young Naturalists Club at the Metropolitan Natural Park, sparking my interest in environmental conservation.
I'm currently working on my thesis focused on the study and conservation of sea turtles, a field that continues to fuel my dedication to protecting marine ecosystems.
High School Student Advisors
Ibdiel Guitierrez
Youth Leader
Panama
Coming soon!