We have had some shifts and additions to our dynamic team. From marine outreach and awareness, market transformation, corporate engagement, marketing & comms, to behaviour change, the team covers multiple spheres to keep our oceans top of mind! Let us re-introduce ourselves!
Pavitray Pillay (Pavs): Corporate Engagement and Behaviour Change Lead
Pavs holds a BSc from the University of Witwatersrand, majoring in Zoology and Archaeology with a minor in Palaeontology. She received an Honours and an MSc degree in Marine Biology from the University of Cape Town. She works across WWF South Africa in diverse Behaviour Change Projects and engages Corporates in the Conservation space.
Fun fact: Pavs has worked in Namibia and teaches yoga in her free time!
Kirtanya Maharaj: Outreach & Awareness Manager
Kirtanya holds a BSc from the University of Cape Town (UCT), with majors in Applied Biology and Ecology & Evolution. She also received an Honours and MSc in Biological Science from UCT and completed a Science Communication Course at the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science, and Technology (CREST). She applies a sci-comm lens in advancing SASSI’s stakeholder engagements, ocean literacy efforts & consumer awareness initiatives.
Fun fact: Kirtanya is a Wellness Facilitator for the International Association for Human Values and taught environmental classes in an exchange in China!
Alexandra Azevedo: Seafood Market Transformation Officer
Alexandra has a BSc in Environmental Earth Science and Sustainability from Miami University and an MSc in Applied Marine Biology from the University of Cape Town. Her expertise lies in fisheries and marine conservation. She works with South Africa’s big retailers and suppliers to shift the seafood supply chain in a sustainable trajectory.
Fun fact: Alexandra loves wildlife photography & diving!
Kezia Madell: Project Officer
Kezia has a BSc from the University of Cape Town (UCT), majoring in Marine Biology and Ocean & Atmospheric Science. She received her Honours and MSc in Marine Biology, focusing on the impacts of human activity on coastal marine ecosystems and developing indicators of ecological stress. She is the creative Wizz & mastermind behind SASSI’s communications & tech.
Fun fact: Kezia recently sailed aboard the SA Agulhas 2 and participated in SEAmester VII!