OUR TEAM

Meet the team that’s making change possible

Elisa Areano

Executive Director

A decade ago, Elisa founded Blue World Foundation inspired by her deep love for the sea and sharks. Today, we lead a comprehensive vision that unites science, conservation, and community development to protect marine-coastal ecosystems and build a fairer and more sustainable future for those who depend on the ocean.

Marielos Rosales

Coordinator of Environmental Education, Community Development and Leadership

Coordinates, writes, implements and executes environmental educational and community development projects in the Pacific and Caribbean coastal communities of Guatemala, strengthening local capacities for marine-coastal resource conservation.

Juan Carlos Pérez

Scientific Advisor

Provides strategic and technical guidance across all areas of the organization’s marine conservation work. His responsibilities include leading the development of funding proposals and scientific publications, ensuring that research activities are aligned with conservation priorities.

Support the team in the design, implementation, and evaluation of field projects, particularly those related to the protection of elasmobranchs and critical coastal habitats.

Luis Chinchilla

Accounting and Finance Professional

With 36 years of experience in general accounting, internal and external audits, internal control, budget execution, and financial analysis. Leader in ERP implementation, fiscal, tax and labor planning, and preparation of audited reports for profit and nonprofit organizations.

Julio Sánchez

Applied Research Coordinator

Leads artisanal fisheries monitoring in Guatemala, deep-water chondrichthyan (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) sampling in the Caribbean, and hammerhead shark tagging efforts in the Pacific. Actively promotes community participation and contributes to scientific publications on marine conservation.

Belén Chacón

Applied Research Technician

Biologist engaged in research and community outreach to support the conservation of chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) in coastal areas.

Jessica Hernández

Field Technician in the Pacific region

Conducts monitoring of artisanal fishing landings in Las Lisas, follows up on trawl vessel monitoring, and supports tagging activities.

Lucia Guerrero

Environmental Education Technician

She leads workshops in schools and Shark Club in Las Lisas and Sipacate.

Karen Sapón

Environmental Education Technician

Promotes marine conservation and environmental education while leading sustainable beekeeping initiatives in fishing communities along the Guatemalan Caribbean.

Zahida García

Communications Coordinator

Managing institutional communication to inspire, educate, and mobilize the foundation’s work with communities and key allies, aiming to raise visibility of marine conservation efforts.