Johann Besserer, PhD

Founder and Executive Director

Why IOI:

Cause I started it.  See my story for how it all began…

My IOI role:

I am the Founder and Executive Director of IOI. I provide strategic direction and have fiscal and financial oversight of the organization. As Executive Director I have the mandate to handle, manage, and develop all aspects of our business operations, as well as advocating for IOI on a national and international level. Concretely, I oversee IOI’s research, educational, and outreach programs, and administer the respective funding for such operations.

Life prior to IOI:

Before I came to IOI my life was slightly eclectic. Being born and raised in land-locked Germany, I developed a passion for the ocean during an exchange year in high school to the Florida Keys. Upon my return to Germany and a gap year with the Red Cross, I worked as a Paramedic for 3 years to finance my college education. With a degree International Business Administration, I worked at VW headquarters as a consultant. It only took me two years to figure out that my passion for the ocean did not allow me to stay in a corporate office job.

So I went to the University of Miami to get a Masters in Marine Policy. During my studies I went on a summer abroad adventure in the Galapagos Islands – which ultimately let to the creation of IOI.
After 7 years in Galapagos I went back to Miami to get a PhD in Marine Ecosystems and Society. Since, I have taught in various university programs as guest lecturer or adjunct faculty for sustainable development and ecotourism and I currently live on a sustainable farm in Hawaii.

Just me:

I am just a normal guy that likes to surf, eat, and travel. Now that I have a farm and a baby, also, I have traded-in time, travel, and surfing for a belly, but the eating is still good :)
Whereas some might call me adventurous by nature, all I ever wanted was to make a difference in the world. I believe this power is within each and every one of us. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to try and live such dream.

Sara Luz Ruiz

Administrative Director

Why IOI:

It’s a long story – as they always are! In short though, the reasons are quite simple: I can really identify with all the values that IOI holds and have always had faith in the areas in which it helps the community here on Isabela – ways that really matter! This is an organisation that focuses on social development, education and conservation – there are few organisations that focus on these three interlinking areas. Most just focus on one or the other but for me the combination of all three is what really makes IOI work. IOI is forward thinking, constantly growing and has the perfect combination of local and international.

My IOI role:

I started working for IOI in 2009 – that seems such a long time ago now! My role and responsibilities have grown hugely since starting. I started assisting the founder of IOI in a team of 3 in a small office with few amenities. Now we are a fantastic, growing team with wonderful volunteers and local partnerships. I am the local Director here and take ownership of all local partnerships, projects and strategies for IOI. I am the key local spokesperson and continue to explore and grow IOI’s reach in the community.

Life prior to IOI:

I arrived on Isabela in 2000 to help my brother with some family commitments. Whilst helping I soon realised that I needed and wanted more so I started working as a volunteer for the Charles Darwin Foundation. I helped develop and coordinate several key educational kids programs. After a year of volunteering I was taken on as a permanent member of staff where I continued to grow their educational and conservation programs to the local kids. One random sunny day I was walking along the main street (there aren’t that many here!) and I bumped into Johann. Whilst in conversation about life and work he told me that he was looking for a local person to help him coordinate things her for IOI. I knew there and then that it was the sort of challenge that I was after. The rest is history.

Just me:

I have always been inspired by my family. I have a beautiful daughter and son and a lovely husband too….most of the time! My passions are the environment and animal welfare – good thing we live on the Galapagos Islands! We all love camping, eating and going on adventures together. I can’t complain…life is good!

Daniel Ponce Taylor

Sustainability and Strategic Partnership Director

Why IOI:

It was a few years ago that I met Johann, IOI’s Director. We shared very similar values and we both concerned by similar issues that the Study abroad and international volunteering industry is facing. At the time, I felt IOI’s approach and mission was one that I was very aligned with. A few years later, the opportunity to be part of this thriving and dynamic team was a reality…and here I am, ready to support, promote and help achieve IOI’s mission.

My IOI role: 

I am the Sustainability and Strategic Partnership Director. I bring more than 15 years of experience in the Study abroad and international programs’ industry. My role is to help IOI find new partners, both academic and others who will help promote IOI’s programs in different corners of the world. With a full backpack of experiences and contacts, I also hope to bring crazy perspectives and ways of increasing IOI’s impact on the ground and how to engage a wider community in becoming part of the solution. I am excited to be part of the remote team that helps support staff and provide leadership on how to achieve IOI’s goals and mission.

Life prior to IOI:

Originally from Spain, I have had the opportunity of living in Australia, UK, Costa Rica and Mexico. I am passionate about conservation and sustainable development, specifically marine ecosystems, and I obtained an MSc in Sustainable development of Coastal and Marine ecosystems and a BSc in Oceanography with Marine biology.  Since early 2000 i’ve been involved in setting up and managing conservation and community development projects around the world, with a focus on sustainability and contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some of my relevant certifications are Child-Safe Child Project Specialist Training level 3, Emergency First Responder (EFR) Instructor Trainer, Royal Geographical Society (RGS) Off-Site Health & Safety Management Trainer, Divers Alert Network (DAN) Divers Emergency Provider (DEMP) Instruct and a PADI Dive Master.

Just me: 

I was born on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in Valencia (Spain), and moved to the Balearic Island of Mallorca a few years later, so I knew ocean exploration was always going to be a huge part of my life. Since those early days, I’ve been connected to the ocean, and as soon as I started snorkeling and diving  I knew that I had to be a proactive actor in its exploration, investigation and conservation. As a father of two little ones, I spend as much time as possible in the outdoors, teaching them the value of outdoor education, and when I can, I find time to do the other things I love, like photography or training for my next triathlon or ironman.

Monique Mancilla

Director of Operations

Why IOI: 

Opting for complete transparency, IOI's Sustainability and Strategic Partnership Director, Daniel, is my husband and had been working for IOI for some time when the opportunity arose to join the team. I had already heard so much about IOI's exciting projects, their contribution to conservation and the local community, and sharing this data with the rest of the Study Abroad and International Volunteering Industry and so with a background in marine biology, conservation, volunteering and volunteer management both in and out of the field, joining the IOI team just made sense.

My IOI role: 

I am IOI's Director of Operations. This means that I’m involved in most aspects of the running of our programs in Galapagos. I am the point of contact for all of our program volunteers, group participants, agents, students, professors and visiting researchers, serving as the go-between for participants and field staff. I also work closely with field staff on field logistics, training, and enforcing Health and Safety. As someone who has volunteered and worked both in the field and in the office for various NGOs and other volunteer organizations, my experience and attention to detail work hand in hand to make sure that all of our participants and field staff have all of the information they need so that everyone has a fantastic experience during every stage of the process.

Life prior to IOI:

In 2005 I made my way to Mahahual, Mexico to volunteer on a Marine Conservation project with GVI (Global Vision International). I was asked to stay on as part of the field team and ended up spending nearly 4 years living and working in the field in Mahahual and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Tulum, Mexico where I was Expedition Leader, Divemaster, boat captain and where my passion most lied- trainer to our volunteers of the local fish and coral species as well as reef monitoring techniques. This experience inspired me to return to university to complete an MSc in Water and Coastal Management as part of a joint European Masters in Plymouth, UK and Cadiz, Spain. I fell in love with the south of Spain and stayed to work on my thesis in a subject new to me- the effect of nutrients in the sea grass meadows in the Cadiz Bay. From there I moved to Costa Rica, back to Mexico, had babies, moved to Cape Town, South Africa, eventually back to Mexico, and now I’m living in Mallorca. In the interim I’ve worked for GVI and a Namibian NGO, OANA, as well as worked as an Emergency First Response and SCUBA dive instructor and started a small business selling reusable, sustainable outdoor products on Amazon.

Just me: 

I’m from the US but have been living abroad since 2005. I’m repeating myself here but it speaks to who I am:

In 2005 I made my way to Mahahual, Mexico to volunteer on a Marine Conservation project with GVI. What I didn’t know was that I would fall absolutely in love with the coral reef, diving, the Mexican culture, speaking Spanish and the field team. They asked me to stay and this completely changed my life! I had been passionate about conservation since I was a kid and my many years as a competitive swimmer and ocean-enthusiast growing up on the coasts of New Jersey and California made me and marine conservation in the Mexican Caribbean the perfect fit!

This led to further studies, living in other countries, amazing travel experiences, SCUBA diving whenever and wherever I can and now, trying to create a passion for conservation, asking questions, and love for the outdoors in my inquisitive and thankfully, already very conservation-minded kids.

Rafaela Chavez

Groups Program Manager, Galapagos

Why IOI: 

I decided to join IOI because I recognized the transcendental work that the organization plays in the social and environmental fabric of the community. Its commitment to education, economic development and conservation not only strengthens the harmonious relationship between the population and the unique natural environment of the Galapagos but, also drives the sustainable progress of the island.

Being part of IOI gives me the unique opportunity to witness and contribute to positive change in this extraordinary environment where social, economic, and environmental development are amazingly intertwined.

My IOI role: 

As Groups Program Manager of IOI, I am in charge of coordinating itineraries and educational activities for service learning and university groups from around the world that come to Galapagos.

My contribution goes beyond logistics management; it is about opening doors to global collaboration, allowing Isabela Island to share its natural and cultural splendor with the world. In each project, I have the opportunity to witness how the local community and international groups enrich each other, building the foundation for a sustainable future.

Life prior to IOI:

I grew up on Isabela Island where I spent my childhood surrounded by the amazing biodiversity and warmth of the local community. At age 9, due to the limitations of the educational system in Isabela in 2009, my parents made the decision to move to the mainland, specifically Guayaquil, in search of better educational opportunities for me. This transition marked a significant change in my life, taking me away from the beaches and landscapes I always considered home.

At University I studied communication in public relations. The opportunity to return to the island and work for its development is a dream come true.

My admiration for nature, plants, and animals now merges with my training in communication, creating a perfect synergy to contribute to the meaningful work of IOI.

Just me: 

I like art in general, music, nature and adventures. Creating poems and stories is my creative outlet. I am an open person, I like to live new experiences and learn something new every day. The constant exploration of beauty in all its forms and the search for knowledge are traits that define my approach to life.

SARAH LECUYER

Conservation Programs Manager, Galapagos

Why IOI: 

I initially joined IOI because my personal values align with IOI’s vision: working for the sustainable development of the community through education, collaborative work, and research. After my first 6 months in 2024 as the Sea Turtle Program Coordinator, I had the opportunity to evolve within the foundation to enlarge the scope of my responsibilities in my new role as the Conservation Programs Manager. 

My IOI role: 

As the Conservation Programs Manager, I am responsible for three IOI projects: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring, Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, and Ecotourism. IOI collaborates with the Galapagos National Park and in my role, I work directly with the National Park on these projects. IOI receives volunteers and other international participants weekly to support this work and part of my role is to train them before they join the project, as well as ensure they enjoy their work activities and working with the park rangers. I work hard to make sure that project activities are running smoothly based on the IOI-Galapagos National Park planning and agreements that are in place so that we’re able to reach our objectives. I take great pleasure in developing new projects and activities to get the community more involved in our projects; I believe education is a keystone in conservation efforts as it helps them to have a more lasting impact. 

Life prior to IOI:

I studied biology in Aix-en-Provence, France at Aix-Marseille Université followed by attending Sherbrooke University, Canada for my final year of undergraduate. I loved it in Canada so much that I decided to pursue my graduate education in the same university and completed a Master of Sciences (M.Sc) in Biology with a specialization in Applied Ecology. During my Master's internship, I developed a standardized monitoring program to study three species of sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, and Caretta caretta) that nest in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the surrounding area.

Just me: 

When I was a child, I had tortoises in my garden and I remember waiting patiently for them to come out of the ground from their hibernation. I still have a photo of my encounter with a tortoise at the Village des Tortues's clinic, Gonfaron, France, by the side of my bed. I love music, photography, and I’m currently learning how to film and edit videos. I am curious and always keen to try new activities and discover new places.

Fun fact about me : I worked in the hospitality industry for two years as an event coordinator and wedding planner in the south west of France.

eMILIO Rodriguez

Volunteer Program Manager

Why IOI: 

Throughout my life I have seen how the community has gone through processes of change. As someone from Isabela Island, I recognize that we don't think the same as we did 10 years ago. There have also been generational changes related to social, education and environmental development- areas that IOI focuses on. These factors inspire me to work for this organization. I believe in my community and understand that change takes time and patience. I believe that it is imperative that the community takes charge of the problems that exist on our island to generate an impact that lasts over time, working hand in hand with environmental institutions and organizations.

My IOI role: 

I am the Volunteer Program Manager. I started working at IOI in 2021 for six months then volunteered for a year in Germany to gain new perspectives, returning to IOI in 2023 to continue my work with new ideas. 

I am in the international area of the organization. We are a small team working on various activities based on Isabela Island. We receive volunteers and students from different parts of the world and connect them with local institutions and the community, so I see myself as a bridge that unites cultures and facilitates processes of intercultural enrichment.

Life prior to IOI:

Every day on this island has been an adventure for me- I consider that I had an exceptional childhood. My playground was the beach, the mangroves, and the lava fields. I was always interested in meeting people from different parts of the world who visited us and learning about their perceptions of this place. I was part of several environmental education clubs. I was even selected to travel to Japan to speak about environmental conservation. At the age of 16 I left the island to pursue my university studies in Quito, Mainland Ecuador. I finished my degree at the age of 23 in journalism and embarked on a year-long trip to Germany in search of new experiences. My commitment to the place where I grew up encouraged me to return and contribute with my work to my community.

Just me: 

I enjoy the simple things in life- walking around the island, watching a sunset, swimming in the sea for a while- for me this is a day well spent. I always try to learn new things and I spend time getting to know myself every day. In my free time I dedicate myself to reading, painting or cooking a new recipe. I also like to find a quiet place in Isabela and watch animals or meet friends on the beach.

Beatriz Tigse Vega

Accountant

Why IOI:

There are few prestigious organizations on the Galapagos that offer ‘real’ community support and IOI does that and so much more here on Isabela. I have always wanted to work for an organization that I was proud to be a part of and that had ‘human needs’ at the core of its existence. IOI has only been running for a few years but the community has benefited hugely in that time. IOI keeps growing and giving – I’m so glad to be a part of it all.

My IOI role:

I look after all of IOI’s accounting and legal needs. Numbers aren’t everyone’s preference but I actually enjoy working with spreadsheets! I ensure that all invoices are paid and visa’s and residency permits are applied for and obtained in a proper and timely manner. I only work part-time so I have a lot to do in the mornings but I enjoy being busy so the job is perfect for me!

Life prior to IOI:

Life prior to IOI was largely taken up by looking after my two beautiful children, which were (and still are) a handful! Alongside being a house wife I also owned and ran a small business with my husband.

Just me:

I am an honest and responsible person in and out of work. My family are my number one priority and will always be. I enjoy cooking, playing with my children. I love the sun and sea and being outdoors. Isabela is so beautiful – it never stops impressing my wanting to explore it further with my loved ones.

Maritza Serano

Project Assistant

Why IOI:

IOI has a lovely work environment. One of the main reasons that I love working here so much is that it is full of people from all walks of life. It’s a great place to share life experiences with people – we are like one big family!

My IOI role:

I am here to ensure IOI is clean and tidy at all times. I am always happy to help all the volunteers, staff, visitors and students to ensure that their stay here is a happy one. I love my job and the service that I provide people with. I always do it wholeheartedly and with a great big smile on my face.

Life prior to IOI:

I was a house wife prior to IOI and trust me when I say that it is hard. Now I come to work, study in the evenings and continue as a house wife when I get home. It’s hard but I can’t complain as I love to keep myself busy!

Just me:

I’m not one to talk about myself but i do love hearing constructive criticism from people as it’s a great way to learn and develop oneself. I love to listen to music whilst I’m working and you’ll often find me singing along to it too! I love talking to people and trying to make them smile with my jokes and playfulness. Smiling is my ultimate hobby!