We are excited to introduce our new Q&A series on our SUBMARINER team. Each month, we will spotlight a different member of our team, diving into their motivations, passions, projects they’re currently working on, and more!
Our first feature is on Mariana Mata Lara, our Senior Project Manager. Mariana is currently involved in five projects, including writing two proposals, and helps manage the MPA Community Network. Her work in EU-funded projects ranges from stakeholder engagement and general communication and dissemination to more technical tasks like compiling financial mechanisms for MPAs.
Mariana is from Mexico and has been living in Europe for 12 years. She currently resides in Portugal, which she describes as a country with beautiful weather and a warm culture. After spending four years in a landlocked country, Mariana loves living close to the Ocean.
What drew you to SUBMARINER?
Two main things made me want to join the team. (1) back then, it was an almost all-female team. I found that so wonderful and inspiring! (2) That the organisation focuses ONLY on projects related to the Ocean. Back in the environmental organisation I worked for, I was the only person doing ocean work from a landlocked country. So, changing to an organisation where everyone liked the big blue as much as I did excited me a lot.
What other types of jobs/industries have you worked in?
Before SUB/s.Pro, I worked for six years at an organisation in Hungary that also focused on EU-funded project management. Still, it was general environmental topics, and I was the only one working on Ocean topics. Before that, I worked as a junior researcher at the National Institute of Coastal Resilience in Mexico on a research project focused on coral reefs and assessing the management in place. You can read my paper here.
What is your favourite part about your job and why?
I love that each project has a different team because I love meeting people and creating networks. I really like the topics we work with and the travelling involved. And of course, the submariners.
Which of your professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
It’s hard to tell. I believe my passion and determination have opened many doors and I am generally proud of the path I have walked so far and what I have achieved.
What has been inspiring you lately?
I loved reading the inspiring stories of WIN-BIG’s Women Ocean Champions! Women have not had it easy, and reading everyone’s unique story is so empowering.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
When you pursue something that comes from your heart and makes you tick, the obstacles that come your way become opportunities. If you stay true to yourself, your passion will lead you where you are meant to be and where you want to be. So always listen to yourself.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Where would you most like to go?
My favorite place to travel to is Mexico, always Mexico. Not only because my family is there or because the culture, the food, and the vibe are the best, but also because even though I have travelled quite a lot in Mexico, there is still so much more to discover. Every time I visit, I visit a new place and every time, it is stunning. The beauty of Mexico is just endless.
As for where I would like to go the most, the answer is easy: Raja Ampat in Indonesia. It is a long-time dream I have; I need to get there at some point.
