Meet Our CORAL Ambassadors
We are excited to introduce you to our CORAL Ambassadors, the passionate advocates dedicated to saving our coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These ocean conservationists, storytellers, and educators are making significant strides in marine preservation. They are leaders in their fields, united by a shared commitment to the values and mission of the Coral Reef Alliance. We are excited to see the impact of their voices and actions in protecting and preserving the world’s coral reefs.
Social Media Ambassadors
Carissa Cabrera
Carissa is a marine biologist, conservation storyteller, and ocean climate advocate.
For the past 10 years, Carissa has focused on ocean recovery efforts related to endangered species, reef restoration, conservation financing, community outreach, and environmental literacy. She co-founded Futureswell, a conservation consultancy dedicated to advancing community-based ocean climate solutions alongside NGOs and coalitions through storytelling. Carissa’s work, company, and media projects are united by the shared goal of increasing pathways to ocean climate action and accelerating collective conservation solutions.
In recent years, Carissa has focused her efforts on supporting coral reefs through restoration and community education. Since coral reefs support 25% of marine life and are on the frontline of climate change, supporting reef health has cascading benefits to the rest of coastal ecosystem health. She fell in love with coral reefs as the first ecosystem she ever snorkeled as a child. Now, Carissa works to bring coral restoration to the public, in partnership with NGOs and as an ocean-focused content creator.
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Martina Alvarez
Martina is an environmental journalist, documentarist, scuba dive instructor, and, above all, an ocean storyteller.
Over the last 9 years, she’s delved deep into ocean exploration, using her camera and social media to share its wonders and advocate for its preservation. Collaborating with renowned outlets including National Geographic Latam, Scuba Diving Magazine, and PADI blog, Martina amplifies her message of ocean conservation to a global audience. She also founded Women Of The Ocean, a digital community empowering women to connect with the sea and drive conservation efforts forward.
Over the last 9 years, she’s delved deep into ocean exploration, using her camera and social media to share its wonders and advocate for its preservation. Collaborating with renowned outlets including National Geographic Latam, Scuba Diving Magazine, and PADI blog, Martina amplifies her message of ocean conservation to a global audience. She also founded Women Of The Ocean, a digital community empowering women to connect with the sea and drive conservation efforts forward.
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Musical ambassadors
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake is a celebrated ukulele virtuoso and known for redefining the instrument with his innovative style and genre-defying performances.
From intimate gatherings to world-renowned venues like the Sydney Opera House, Jake’s music transcends boundaries and captivates audiences across the globe. With collaborations alongside icons such as Yo-Yo Ma, Willie Nelson, and Ziggy Marley, he has become a global ambassador for the power of music to inspire and connect. Beyond his musical accolades, Jake uses his platform to support causes close to his heart, channeling his passion into meaningful action for the planet.
Jake’s connection to CORAL runs deep, reflecting his lifelong love for the ocean and its ecosystems. As a featured performer at events like Music on the Reef, Jake has brought his unique artistry to support coral reef conservation. Through his music and advocacy, he amplifies CORAL’s mission, inspiring others to protect the marine environments that sustain us all. For Jake, the ocean is not only a source of inspiration but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to preserve its beauty for future generations.
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Josh Nakazawa
Josh is a distinguished cellist with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and the visionary founder of Mana Music.
Josh Nakazawa is a distinguished cellist with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and the visionary founder of Mana Music. Known for blending classical elegance with a deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture, Josh’s work has earned significant accolades, including Album of the Year at the 2021 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Mana Music has become a trusted partner for Hawaii’s top hotels and venues, providing exceptional classical music experiences, and has performed alongside some of the islands’ most renowned artists. Dedicated to celebrating culture and education, Josh uses music as a bridge to connect communities and elevate shared expressions of art.
Josh’s connection to CORAL is rooted in his passion for using music as a vehicle for change. As a featured performer at CORAL’s signature events, including the Coral Forever Gala and Music on the Reef, Josh brings his extraordinary talent to inspire action for coral reef conservation. Through Mana Music, he amplifies CORAL’s mission, channeling the beauty and power of music to highlight the importance of preserving Hawaii’s marine ecosystems. Josh’s dedication to protecting the ocean mirrors his commitment to enriching Hawaii’s cultural and natural heritage.
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Interested in becoming a CORAL Ambassador?
Do you have a strong digital presence and a passion for protecting coral reefs? Whether you’re a conservationist, a creative, or simply someone who cares deeply about our oceans, we’d love to connect with you! Stay engaged with us on social media so we can get to know you better and consider you for future opportunities to expand our team!