Manuela’s experience in creative and digital storytelling focuses on translating scientific and environmental concepts into engaging messages that connect people with everyday actions that protect the planet. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from York University, where her research explored the conflicts between oil and gas regulation and the conservation of Marine Protected Areas.

Driven by a passion for community education, Manuela is dedicated to helping others understand why caring for the environment matters, believing that awareness is the key to inspiring sustainable choices. She puts her passion into practice by supporting outreach and communications efforts to promote ocean protection, contributing to waste reduction initiatives that have diverted more than 11,000 items from landfill, authoring an environmental article for a Toronto newsletter on reducing holiday waste, and helping restore ecological habitats across the city of Toronto by planting over 60 native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

Outside of her work, she loves being immersed in nature year-round — taking walks in the fall to admire the leaves, skiing in the winter, hiking and backcountry camping in the summer.