Our Team

Yen is a firm believer in the significant influence of the youth in creating a better future for the planet. She is advancing youth empowerment as the Community Organizer of CoalitionWILD. Prior to joining CoalitionWILD, she was a Researcher at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and a Small Island Developing States Research and Communications Intern at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Her experiences and learnings in the Philippines shaped Yen’s deep-rooted foundation as a sustainability advocate. Yen holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. At the present, she proactively pursues her passion for ocean conservation and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU).

Crista believes that our power comes from uncovering our purpose in a world that all too often asks us to settle down and blend in. She founded CoalitionWILD in 2013 and continues to be an international reference, advocate, and conduit for youth in leadership and decision making about the planet. With a decade of experience navigating collaborations with global environmental leaders and fostering grassroots community action, Crista’s work bridges the gap found between generations, cultures, and tactics to design a thriving future for all life. This has motivated her to work towards her Masters in Global Leadership at Royal Roads University with a focus on community-led development.