OUR TEAM

Jamie has spent the last 25 years working in tourism, conservation, development, and business management. He is passionate about Planeterra because in his decades of traversing the globe, he has yet to encounter another organization as effective at using tourism to improve the lives of some of the most under-resourced people on this planet — especially marginalized women, disadvantaged youth, and rural communities (with a priority focus on Indigenous communities).

Prior to his role at Planeterra, Jamie was Global Chief Environmental Officer at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and led the travel industry program at the Center for Environmental Leadership in Business at Conservation International. He was formerly Chairman at Sustainable Travel International and has served on the boards of The International Ecotourism Society, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Travel.

Jamie has developed, led, and managed many community tourism, ecotourism, and biodiversity conservation projects throughout his career. While Program Manager of Conservation International’s Ecotourism Program, he played a pivotal role in implementing 36 ecotourism initiatives in 18 different countries.

Joel is a tourism and sustainable development practitioner with more than 15 years of international experience designing, developing, managing, and scaling community tourism and sustainable tourism initiatives around the world. His career spans the public, private, nonprofit, international cooperation, and academic sectors, giving him a broad practical perspective-from working directly with communities and grassroots organizations to leading large-scale international programs and initiatives.

His expertise encompasses working and collaborating with diverse tourism-sector stakeholders and organizations. He works with international travel and hospitality companies to design, implement, launch, and scale sustainable tourism initiatives. He collaborates with governments, public institutions, and international development organizations to design and implement tourism development strategies, ecotourism programs, and destination management initiatives. He also works directly with local communities to co-create and develop micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), strengthening business capabilities, facilitating market access, and supporting sustainable growth. His work includes extensive collaboration with Indigenous communities, cooperatives, marginalized groups, rural communities, youth and women-led enterprises, and throughout his career he has contributed to connecting more than 150 community tourism enterprises to tourism markets around the world.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in Tourism, Economics and a Master’s degree in Cooperation for Development. Combining academic training with extensive field experience, Joel describes himself as a practitioner of tourism, working at the intersection of tourism and sustainable development, with a commitment to using tourism as a tool to uplift people and nature . He is also a passionate traveler and advocate for better, more responsible ways of experiencing the world. When he is not working, there is a good chance he is somewhere in the world.

Kelly Galaski is a sustainable tourism professional with over 25 years of experience across the non-profit and for-profit sectors, holding degrees in business and environmental studies. As Vice President, Operations and Head of Impact, Kelly supports the team with strategy, financial and people management, system operations and impact measurement, as well providing direction for the Planeterra Community Tourism Network.

Kelly previously spent over a decade at Planeterra (2009–2020), culminating as Director of Global Programs where she led community tourism initiatives across 25+ countries and helped develop G Adventures’ sustainability policies and programs including the “Ripple Score” to track local economic impact. Her background also includes leading North American destination stewardship and climate action programs for the Travel Foundation (now Travel Forward) (2022–2024) and managing the tourism research division for British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (2020–2022). Throughout her career, Kelly has remained dedicated to using tourism as a tool for community empowerment and conservation.

Blerina Ago is an award-winning leader in responsible tourism with over 15 years of experience designing and delivering community tourism initiatives across Europe.

She has collaborated with international organizations such as IUCN, UN Women, Swisscontact, USAID, UNDP, and Planeterra, leading projects that bridge environmental conservation, gender equality, and local economic development in the Western Balkans.

A passionate advocate for river protection and community empowerment, Blerina supported the creation of Europe’s first Wild River National Park (Vjosa River) and has contributed to national strategies for sustainable tourism and destination management. She has led entrepreneurship accelerators, training programs, media campaigns, and multi-stakeholder partnerships that foster innovation, resilience, and local ownership.

As a certified GSTC sustainability auditor, she advises both public and private actors on aligning with international standards and embedding sustainability into policy, practice, and organizational culture. Her expertise includes product development, destination management, communications, and market positioning—always rooted in long-term impact and equity.

In her role as Regional Manager for Europe at Planeterra, Blerina is committed to strengthening partnerships, scaling community impact, and advancing inclusive tourism models that benefit both people and nature. She is fluent in Albanian, Italian, and English.

Maulita loves travelling to rural areas, where she feels most connected to nature and the simplicity of life.

Over the past 20 years, she worked for local communities through organizations such as UN Tourism, Conservation International, WWF, IFAD, and USAID, fostering trust and supporting initiatives guided by local knowledge and leadership. She believes that lasting change comes when communities are respected, heard, and empowered to shape their own futures.
With a background in tourism, natural resource management, and fisheries science, Lita brings a holistic perspective linking people, culture, and environment. Her work focuses on community tourism rooted in cultural identity, safeguarding local resources while enabling communities to lead the process.

In her role at Planeterra, she will continue promoting community tourism across the Asia Pacific, ensuring local communities thrive, inclusivity is prioritized, partnerships are strengthened, and sustainable solutions create enduring benefits for both people and the planet.

Phakamile is a seasoned strategist, and a hands-on operational lead. She has over ten years of operational experience in the African travel market, and nine years in change management and digital transformation consulting in South Africa’s banking and telecommunications sectors.
Having founded three travel brands, Phaka has dedicated her time to the development and marketing of emerging African experiences and destinations to domestic and international travelers. These include a small tour operating business which has hosted travelers in South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, eSwatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The global pandemic presented an opportunity to establish a non-profit aimed at exploring digital-led upskilling opportunities for micro-business owners in the tourism sector, resulting in over 1,000 enterprises receiving training, and over 37,000 courses focusing on sustainability in tourism and hospitality completed in hybrid sessions in South Africa’s most under-served communities. Phakamile has worked on initiatives with the UNWTO and IFC, lead programs on behalf of the GIZ, and served as a board member responsible for Access, Inclusivity and Diversity.

The recipient of various awards, Phaka was in 2023 named one of the Africa’s Top Under 40 in Travel at the Akwaaba Awards, Nigeria. In 2020 she was named one of the most Inspiring Women in Travel, by Travel Massive, in 2019 she was named one of the Top 100 Young South African’s by the Mail and Guardian, and the top 25 Trailblazers in Tourism by the same publication. In 2010, Phaka was awarded a Chinese Government Scholarship and subsequently spent 3 years in Shanghai, China, where she kicked off her change management career. Phaka completed her MSc International Business and Finance through a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship in the United Kingdom 2006. In 2005, Phaka was named one of the Brightest Young Minds in South Africa.

Phaka is passionate about Innovation, Decoloniality, Inclusivity and Diversity in African tourism.
At Planeterra, Phakamile leads the Africa and Middle East Region. Here, community tourism development is the log that keeps the fire of her purpose blazing.

Richard’s 14 years of experience include leadership in public, non-governmental, and private projects in community tourism, value chains, destination marketing, cultural identity, and food and music heritage. Over the past decade, he has combined his professional work with university teaching in Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, and France, delivering more than 110 conferences and seminars nationally and internationally.

After graduating in Tourism Administration, he completed a master’s degree in Public Management and pursued studies in Marketing and Communication of Tourist Destinations, as well as Product Management. Throughout his career, he has promoted tourism as a tool for development, employing a territorial approach rooted in multidisciplinary perspectives.

With a humanistic and eclectic vision, nurtured by his journeys across 30 countries, Richard shares his passion for books, musical arts, and travel as universal languages that foster connection and respect for diversity. Inspired by his favourite philosopher, Michel Onfray, he believes in creating “countertimes” that generate new paths for tourism—linking it with culture and identity, people and their rights, and the ecological future of vulnerable communities.
Drawing on his years of experience—including leading his own foundation and company—Richard now devotes his career to Planeterra. Here, he channels his knowledge and commitment to strengthening community tourism models and projects, while continuing to uphold the values and vision that have guided his work.

Yulissa has a strong commitment to human rights and gender equality in tourism. She believes that sustainable travel can contribute to creating more equitable societies, which is why she is passionate about Planeterra’s mission.

With over 9 years of experience, Yulissa has worked on the design, implementation, and supervision of projects related to community tourism and rural entrepreneurship. Her work has extended to Indigenous communities, where she collaborates with public organizations and NGOs in Peru, Guatemala, and Spain.

She holds a degree in Tourism Management and a master’s in Development Cooperation from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, as well as another master’s in Gender Studies from the Complutense University of Madrid. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Intercultural Gender Studies at the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Yulissa is based in Madrid, Spain, where she works as a Community Tourism Development Specialist for Europe and the Middle East at Planeterra.

Evisi Kopliku brings over 15 years of experience across the public sector, non-governmental and international organisations, and academia in Southeast Europe. Her work focuses on policy design, programme development, and project implementation in sustainable tourism, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, creative industries, and entrepreneurship support.

She has extensive expertise in EU affairs, including accession reforms and EU programmes such as the Small Business Act for Europe, COSME, and Horizon 2020. Evisi has coordinated national and regional initiatives supporting SMEs and women entrepreneurs, working closely with organisations including the OECD, EBRD, ETF, and partners across the public, private, and academic sectors. Her career is marked by strong multistakeholder and regional collaboration, leading to impactful policy initiatives and community projects.

Evisi holds an MA in European Economic Studies from the College of Europe (Belgium) and an MSc in Banking and Finance from Eastern Mediterranean University (Northern Cyprus). Fluent in Albanian, English, Turkish, Italian, and French, she is passionate about communication and its role in community development and regional cooperation.

Passionate about fostering sustainable change through tourism, Fede has dedicated his career to creating projects that celebrate cultural heritage and encourage environmental stewardship. His work focuses on purposeful initiatives that connect travellers with local culture while promoting sustainable practices that benefit both communities and visitors.

With a background in education and heritage conservation, Fede brings a holistic perspective to his projects, aiming to inspire meaningful connections and long-term impact. Guided by the belief that “we are the people we’ve been waiting for,” he seeks out opportunities to work with teams who share a vision for positive transformation.

Based in Buenos Aires, Fede is continually drawn to experiences that immerse him in diverse cultures and landscapes, reinforcing his commitment to making tourism a tool for good.

Hardam’s journey in tourism began on the ground, as a tour guide. Working closely with travellers, local communities, and destinations, he discovered that tourism could be more than simply moving people from one place to another. It could create meaningful connections, protect culture and nature, and contribute to better opportunities for local communities.

That experience shaped the direction of his career. Over the past 7+ years, Hardam has worked across community tourism development, environmental sustainability, and tourism certification, collaborating with organisations including UNESCO, Purpose Campaign, and Green Destinations.

Today, as a Community Tourism Development Specialist for the Asia Pacific region, Hardam works with communities and tourism stakeholders to develop initiatives that create positive and lasting impacts through tourism. His work brings together destination development, sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment , with a simple belief that tourism should leave places and people better off.

Holding a Master’s degree in Tourism Development and Planning of Territories from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Hardam continues to explore how tourism can become a force for meaningful change across the Asia Pacific region with Planeterra.

Jahel is a programs and community development professional with 12+ years of experience at the intersection of education, tourism, and sustainability. Her formation spans Business Management, Talent Management, Experiential Learning, Permaculture, and Expressive Arts for Social Intervention—a toolkit she applies to design regenerative, human-centered initiatives.
She began her journey as a Spanish–English interpreter, where she discovered a natural ability to bridge languages, cultures, and expectations. Over time, she transitioned into non-formal education, program coordination, and community tourism—facilitating workshops, guiding transformative learning experiences, and building systems that help teams and communities thrive. Her work in Central America has included designing capacity-building programs, co-creating regenerative projects rooted in local knowledge, and strengthening partnerships that connect community enterprises with market opportunities.

At Planeterra, Jahel leads community tourism enterprises across Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean—focusing on capacity building, climate and biodiversity stewardship, and inclusive prosperity.

Lizeth is a purpose-driven community tourism and social impact professional with over 10 years of experience designing, managing, and scaling inclusive tourism and social innovation initiatives across Latin America and Europe. With a background in Anthropology, Journalism, and Global Markets, she brings a deeply human, cross-cultural approach to community-led tourism.

She has collaborated with international organizations, foundations, universities, and travel industry leaders, and is a social entrepreneur and Acumen Fellow with experience advancing peacebuilding-focused community tourism initiatives. She supports local enterprises through capacity-building, impact measurement, storytelling, and access to global markets. Her work bridges grassroots initiatives with global stakeholders, fostering partnerships that strengthen local ownership, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

Lizeth has led accelerator programs, entrepreneurship bootcamps, and experiential learning initiatives, mentoring social enterprises and community tourism projects in product development, financial sustainability, leadership, and impact strategy. A passionate storyteller, she uses narrative, communications, and participatory methodologies as tools for empowerment, supporting communities to position their experiences within global value chains while staying rooted in local identity and the protection of their natural and cultural heritage.

She believes deeply in travel as a powerful tool for meaningful connections, social transformation, and collective awareness, guided by the principle: think global, empower local

Nabiha Tasnim is a community and communication strategist. Her work focuses on socio-economic empowerment, community tourism, and climate change action. Nabiha is the Community Tourism Development Specialist for South & Central Asia at Planeterra, where she works actively on increasing community ownership for tourism enterprises and building climate resiliency in communities.

Nabiha has had experience working in travel across the spectrum, ranging from grassroots development, public-private partnerships, to international cooperation with organizations including UN Tourism, UNEP, GSTC, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to develop and reinforce sustainable tourism practices and practitioner networks. In addition, Nabiha’s previous experience in communication helps her bring together people, ideas, and networks in a common social and environmental vision.

Nabiha’s educational background in Sociology and Journalism gives her the institutional frameworks through which she is able to explore the complex relationship between tourism, culture, communities, climate and places in depth. Her travel experiences across five continents have deepened her understanding of how mindful travel can support a positive impact on community development and cultural interaction.

Nabiha is a Founding Shaper of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community Guwahati, a Climate Reality Leader trained by Al Gore, and a certified Indian Sign Language interpreter, and informed by these additional trainings and roles, Nabiha is committed to tourism development that is inclusive and accessible.

Rosselin holds a degree in Tourism from the National University of Cusco, and has more than 10 years’ experience in the travel industry, focused on responsible travel and quality service. She has worked in hospitality, tour operations, and as a tour leader leading tours in Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil, working directly with community tourism enterprises selecting and giving technical advice to their experiences.

As a Community Development Specialist for Planeterra in South America, Rosselin coordinates and stewards the relationship between Planeterra, community projects, and stakeholders in the region, ensuring smooth operations, that community needs and goals are being met, and acting as the main point of contact for Planeterra on the continent.

Souad Kadi is a passionate and results-driven project management professional with over five years of experience empowering communities through education, women’s economic inclusion, and grassroots development. Known for her ability to design and implement transformative programs, Souad has worked extensively across Morocco and internationally, partnering with local organizations and global networks to create lasting, meaningful impact.

Her journey is grounded in a deep belief in the power of community engagement. Souad has collaborated closely with women in rural areas, leading workshops, mentorship programs, and training sessions designed to equip individuals with the tools they need to become active contributors to their societies. Her dedication to advancing social progress is complemented by her academic achievements, including a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Sussex, supported by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Souad is a creative at heart. She finds joy in music and design, often blending these passions into her personal and professional projects. She is also an avid explorer of historical spaces and cult

Thanawut is passionate about using tourism as a tool for positive change. Based in Bangkok, he has spent years working with local communities, social enterprises, and government partners to create meaningful travel experiences that empower people and protect the planet.

He believes that every journey can inspire connection, preserve culture, and support sustainable livelihoods. Through his work with Planeterra, Thanawut is excited to help communities across Southeast Asia grow stronger through tourism that truly makes a difference.
When he’s not working with communities, you’ll likely find him exploring local food scenes, sipping a good cup of coffee, watching and playing football, or meeting new people who share his love for travel and sustainability.

Trevor Chomumwe works at the intersection of community development, tourism systems, and culture, supporting community tourism initiatives that are locally grounded and economically viable. At Planeterra, Trevor supports community tourism enterprises across Africa by working with partners and stakeholders to strengthen enterprise capacity, improve operational readiness, and contribute to tourism models that deliver long-term value for communities.
Trevor’s background is rooted in community development practice and applied tourism systems work across Southern and East Africa. He has worked closely with community-based enterprises, cooperatives, and small tourism operators to navigate governance, product development, and market readiness, with a strong focus on community ownership and sustainability.

Drawing on experience spanning grassroots initiatives and regional partnerships, Trevor brings a systems-oriented approach to community tourism—bridging local priorities with the operational and commercial realities of the tourism sector.

Elizabeth is a firm believer that travel serves as a vital bridge for connection—fostering understanding and building shared value for both residents and their environments. Her inaugural trip to Tanzania ignited a deep-seated interest in tourism as a transformative tool, cementing her dedication to ensuring that travel ventures provide tangible benefits to the local communities that host them.

With a background of living across five nations and exploring five continents, Elizabeth approaches her role with a global, human-centric lens. She began her career in Peru, where she facilitated community-led development and educational tourism programs aimed at enhancing healthcare access and food security. Later, in Washington, D.C., she spearheaded fundraising efforts to combat homelessness before transitioning to Save the Children to manage high-impact corporate partnerships. Most recently, Elizabeth served as the sustainability lead at Achieve Incentives & Meetings, where she overhauled their responsible travel strategy by focusing on impact metrics and community-centered alliances.

Elizabeth earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology & Social Justice from the University of Mary Washington and a Master’s in International Tourism Management from EADA Business School. She also holds specialized certificates in Social Impact Partnership Design from Georgetown University and Sustainable Tourism from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Based in Spain, Elizabeth focuses on strengthening Planeterra’s communications and growing Planeterra’s revenue so that community tourism continues to generate lasting benefits for people and planet. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys scouting new travel destinations, leading yoga sessions, or enjoying the coastal sun in Barcelona.

Nicole is passionate about building stronger, more resilient communities through collaboration and capacity-building. Before joining Planeterra, she worked at United Way Greater Toronto, supporting over 200 charities across the GTA through programs and development. With a background in grassroots organizing, she has led initiatives focused on food security, housing insecurity, policy development, and nonprofit capacity-building.

She holds a degree in Political Science, Urban Planning, and Equity & Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto. As a Japanese-Canadian, Nicole developed a deep appreciation for travel and cultural exchange, which continues to shape her perspective on community-building and equity.

Precious Phyllis Apolot is a communications professional who enjoys telling stories that bring people, ideas, and communities together, with a special interest in supporting community tourism and the people who make it possible. She has experience in strategic marketing, digital content creation, social media, program communications, youth-centred initiatives, and research across Africa and beyond.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Marketing) and a Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing, where she explored global strategy, market research, and digital consumer behaviour.
At Planeterra, Precious contributes to global communications through content development, social media, digital asset management, and partner coordination. She helps share the experiences of communities and highlights how tourism can strengthen local livelihoods, culture, and collective wellbeing. Her work supports Planeterra’s mission by helping ensure community stories are shared with care and reach the people who need to hear them.

Away from her desk, Precious enjoys travelling and photography, especially capturing everyday life and culture.

Selene is passionate about using tourism to create meaningful and lasting impact. With over eleven years of experience in the sector, she has explored it from multiple perspectives—professionally, academically, and as a traveller in her native Ecuador and beyond.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism and Destinations’ Planning, where her research focused on alternative tourism models that uplift local communities and protect cultural and natural heritage.

At Planeterra, Selene leads communications, working to elevate community voices and highlight how community tourism drives social, cultural, and economic empowerment. Through storytelling, social media, content strategy, and partner engagement, she ensures Planeterra’s mission reaches and resonates with audiences. Her focus is on delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time, always grounded in respect, integrity, and shared purpose.
Outside of work, Selene enjoys creative hobbies, spending time outdoors, and, of course, travelling.