ABOUT US

Our mission is to transform the field of nature conservation communication through our free media library and impact-focused storytelling.

Around the world, marine ecosystems are collapsing. This impending crisis doesn't just threaten oceanic life and the 3 billion people who rely on the sea for food - it has dire implications for life on Earth as we know it.

But there's hope. Dedicated scientists, conservationists, and activists are working tirelessly to find solutions. At Kogia we support the efforts of those on the frontline by providing them with free high-quality photos and videos. We also make films that inspire hope and change, with an aim to foster within our audience the same appreciation, awe and sense of protection that we feel so deeply towards the natural oceanic world.

OUR TEAM

KARIM ILIYA

Co-founder
Director of Vision & Content
Photographer, filmmaker and whale swimming guide, Karim has won numerous awards and has been published in National Geographic Magazine for his humpback whale photography and BBC Earth for his video work.

Reykjavík, Iceland
NESSIM STEVENSON

Co-Founder
Director of Operations
Photographer and documentary filmmaker and creative specialized in humanitarian and environmental conservation communication, with experience working in over 40 countries around the world.

Beirut, Lebanon
MANAL MOUKADDEM

Head of Development

With years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Manal leverages her research and writing background to craft impactful narratives. She is a passionate advocate of empathic practice and nonviolent communication.

Beirut, Lebanon
GRACE CORDSEN

Director of Strategic Impact
Grace works at the intersection of conservation, storytelling, and strategic partnerships. Her research and fieldwork in the Arctic and Antarctic focus on climate communication, community collaboration, and biodiversity.
New York, USA
RANA TAWIL

Branding & Design

Graphic designer by trade and a writer by passion, drawn to the intersection of storytelling, effective communication, and interdisciplinary design.

Beirut, Lebanon
RENATA BADE BARAJAS

Fundraising

Environmental sustainability entrepreneur, TedX speaker, and engineer. Renata has developed products for optimizing the food supply chain, advocated for the circular economy, and spoke on the importance of reducing food waste. She is passionate about bringing people together to do good for our planet.

Reykjavik, Iceland
CEDRIC DAGEVILLE

Head of Partnerships
Cedric is a French-American freediver, based in New York and Singapore is a divemaster and photographer working in ocean conservation. He has a passion for being underwater. In early 2023 he stepped away from the corporate sphere to focus his efforts full-time on protecting the ocean by helping organizations on the front lines of conservation.
THURAYYA ZREIK

Operations Support
Social scientist and public and environmental health researcher, Thurayya has worked on social impact research and adocacy campaigns with nonprofits, government actors, as well as academic institutions across Lebanon and the MENA region.

Sardinia, Italy
JACK JEFFRESS

Web Development

Jack is a computer programmer, photographer and expedition guide. Jack loves using technology to tell stories, create immersive experiences, and to make scientific research consumable and effectively communicated.

Sydney, Australia
ARZUCAN ASKIN

Science Communications Lead

Conservation scientist, sailor/skipper and National Geographic Explorer. Arzucan has led multiple research projects and remote marine expeditions examining both the beauty and complexity of human-ocean relationships across the globe.

Izmir, Turkey
KALLI RICHARDS

Social Media Manager

Kalli Jade Richards is a water-based photographer/videographer passionate about the global preservation of aquatic ecology. Through her work, she hopes to draw attention to the importance of water preservation.

Ontario, Canada
MARGERIE BONNET

Innovation and Partnerships

Margerie is a French architect committed to nature conservation. She aims to use her architectural expertise to connect design with environmental advocacy, developing creative solutions to address the pressing challenges facing our ecosystems.

Los Angeles, USA

OUR ADVISORS

KEITH LADZINSKI
SWATHI SINGH
JONO ALLEN
CEDRIC DAGEVILLE
AKASHA SUTHERLAND
REBECCA ILLING

Genus Kogia

The Dwarf and Pygmy sperm whales form a separate family from their larger namesake. They are shy, rarely observed at sea, and little is known about their behavior.

Unlike oceanic dolphins, in Kogiids the crescent of the blowhole points backwards. They can also secrete a dark fluid from their intestine when frightened.

By choosing the kogia as our emblem we take our stand on the side of the shy, the gentle and the ‘uncharismatic’.

The little sperm whales