Our Team
The Goumbook team is defined by its commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and social impact. Since 2009, Goumbook has had the privilege of working with a dedicated and highly skilled team – mainly women from diverse nationalities and professional backgrounds – who have each contributed their experience, knowledge, and passion to creating a positive impact in the UAE and beyond.
Tatiana Antonelli Abella
Founder & Managing Director
Tatiana Antonelli Abella is the Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook, one of the UAE’s leading social enterprises dedicated to sustainability, environmental protection, and social impact. Since establishing Goumbook in 2009, she has led pioneering initiatives including Give a Ghaf Tree Planting Programme, Drop It – Rethink Plastic, Eat It or Save It, and Take a Breath, which was recently endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
Tatiana also spearheaded the Dubai Can campaign launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and developed regional programmes such as the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture and the MENA Oceans Summit.
Recognised as one of the UAE’s top environmental influencers, Tatiana regularly contributes to media and international forums on sustainability. She was named a LinkedIn Top Voice in Sustainability (2021), received the Mother Teresa Award for Environmental Stewardship (2022), and was selected by Boston Consulting Group as a V60 Visionary Woman (2024) for her contribution to transforming the MENA region.
Samantha Kayruz
Strategy & Sustainability Impact Director
Samantha’s experience stems in the corporate world where she held regional and strategic positions across different industries, from Advertising & Communication, Business Strategy, E-commerce, Startups, Automotive, FMCG, and Food Retail to name a few. Just before joining Goumbook in 2020, she headed a global initiative tasked to develop, support and implement startup innovation solutions to tackle the UN SDGs and global pressing social and environmental issues, in conjunction with the various United Nations entities.
Samantha holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut, an Executive Masters in Marketing & Sales from ESADE & Bocconi Universities, a “Business Sustainability Management” Certification from Cambridge University and a “Leading Sustainable Corporations” Certification from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School program, as well as being ESG GRI “Global Reporting Initiative” trained.
With a foot in the corporate world and another in the sustainability space, Samantha believes that purpose and profit can coexist, benefiting the economy, society and the environment to drive positive lasting impact.
Nicola Lee
Corporate Relations & Partnerships Director
Nicola Lee brings more than 14 years of experience in the UAE’s non-profit and sustainability sector, specialising in corporate relations, ESG alignment, and purpose-driven partnerships.
At Goumbook, she leads collaboration with corporate partners to help organisations meet their ESG and SDG objectives through measurable, community-focused initiatives. Her expertise covers relationship development, governance, and strategic growth, ensuring that every partnership drives long-term environmental and social value. Since joining Goumbook in 2023, Nicola has supported flagship programmes including the MENA Oceans Summit, the Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme, and Take a Breath, connecting business leaders with meaningful opportunities to contribute to a more sustainable UAE.
Carolin Hussein
Advocacy & Development Director
Carolin Hussein leads Goumbook’s advocacy and development strategy, championing initiatives that strengthen social inclusion, environmental awareness, and cross-sector collaboration. Educated in Germany and Egypt, she began her career in Cairo’s grassroots development scene, managing projects in economic empowerment, health, and civic engagement. Since joining Goumbook in 2020, Carolin has focused on designing programmes that foster public participation and multi-stakeholder partnerships across the UAE and wider region. Guided by the belief that knowledge and collaboration drive impact, she ensures Goumbook’s initiatives deliver tangible benefits for both people and planet.
Lama Saleh
Programme Development & Partnerships Director
Emilie Rebert
Education and Collaboration Director
Emilie Rebert is an accomplished project manager and Climate Fresk facilitator with over 20 years of international experience leading cross-cultural teams toward shared sustainability goals. At Goumbook, she oversees the Education pillar, driving projects that promote environmental literacy, youth engagement, and collaborative action.
Passionate about climate resilience and nature conservation, Emilie uses her leadership skills to translate complex ideas into impactful learning experiences. Her work connects schools, organisations, and communities across the UAE, advancing Goumbook’s mission to make education a catalyst for sustainability.
Anuradha Bhattacharya
Programmes & Partnerships Director - MENA Oceans Initiative
Anuradha Bhattacharya spearheads the MENA Oceans Initiative at Goumbook, developing a multilateral platform for ocean action across the Middle East and North Africa. With more than 15 years of experience convening global thought leaders and technical experts in the fields of energy, climate, and livelihoods, she drives collaboration that bridges science, policy, and finance. Her focus is on building cross-sectoral partnerships that accelerate the transition to a regenerative blue economy in line with the SDGs and UAE climate agenda. Passionate about enabling nature-positive, impact-led frameworks, Anuradha ensures regional voices help shape global ocean solutions.
Momina Raza
Project Manager - MENA Oceans Initiative
Currently serving as Project Manager for the MENA Oceans Initiative at Goumbook, Momina supports the conceptualization of program structures and develops comprehensive project planning frameworks for programs, including the MENA Oceans Network. She has worked with esteemed organizations such as the Global Green Growth Institute as a consultant, contributing to impactful projects like the Sustainable Consumption and Production Plan and the Green Agenda Report.
Momina’s expertise encompasses sustainability advocacy, climate change mitigation, qualitative research, gap analysis, and monitoring and evaluation of green initiatives. With a passion for advancing circular economy solutions, she is known for her strategic thinking and collaborative approach, committed to driving meaningful change toward a sustainable future.
Rebecca Talbot
Business Development & Campaign Senior Manager
Rebecca Talbot brings over a decade of experience in education, waste management, and sustainable community development, with a strong focus on plastic reduction and circular economy solutions. Before joining Goumbook in 2024, she co-founded Precious Plastic Gambia, an initiative turning waste into value through education and innovation.
At Goumbook, Rebecca leads campaigns that reduce single-use plastics, promote waste-to-value systems, and engage youth citizen scientists in data collection along the UAE’s coastline. Her work helps drive national awareness on plastic pollution and empowers communities to adopt sustainable consumption and waste practices. Passionate about environmental education and impact, Rebecca plays a key role in advancing Goumbook’s mission to create a cleaner, more circular future.
Philippa Hallé
Programme Development & Partnerships Senior Manager
Philippa has 18 years of experience across Europe, Egypt, and the UAE, specializing in marketing and management. Over the past 10 years, she has focused on sustainability, empowering artisans, supporting NGOs, and improving corporate environmental practices. At Goumbook since September 2024, she supports Eat It Or Save It, Fair Care, and Take a Breath initiatives.
Marie Deschamps
Programme and Partnerships Director - MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Programme
Marie Deschamps is a sustainability-focused leader with over 20 years of global experience in marketing, engineering, and strategic innovation. With dual master’s degrees in engineering and business, she transitioned her career in 2023 to focus fully on sustainability and regenerative systems. Having earned certifications from Cambridge Judge Business School, the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership (CISL), and MIT’s Chief Sustainability Officer Programme, Marie brings academic rigour and corporate insight to Goumbook. Since joining in 2024, she has been advancing the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Programme, supporting climate-resilient agriculture, carbon sequestration, and soil health across arid regions. Her expertise bridges global strategy with on-the-ground action, helping Goumbook strengthen food security and environmental resilience in the MENA region.
Roya Mokhtabad
Senior Programme Manager
Roya Mokhtabad is a senior sustainability programme manager at Goumbook, leading the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative and building partnerships with global organisations such as FAO, UNCCD, UNU, and SAFTA. With deep expertise in international relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships, she drives collaboration between academia, policy, and practice. Roya also oversees Forward Talks, Goumbook’s podcast platform, amplifying the voices of sustainability experts and changemakers across the region. Her leadership supports Goumbook’s goal of advancing regenerative agriculture, biodiversity protection, and environmental education through inclusive, evidence-based action.
Claire Guitard
Project Manager
With a passion for environmental preservation and circular economy, Claire Guitard brings years of experience in logistics, procurement, and sustainable development across Africa. She joined Goumbook in 2023 as Project Manager for the Save the Butts – Waste to Value campaign, an initiative turning discarded cigarette butts into recycled material. Claire’s work unites communities, businesses, and volunteers to build awareness around waste reduction and resource recovery. Through her role, she contributes to Goumbook’s wider mission of promoting responsible waste management and sustainable living across the UAE.
Karen Moubarak
Project Manager
With a Masters degree in International relations and business from the University of Barcelona, Karen has been in the UAE for 17 years most of which she worked in Advertising and Communications with a special focus on global FMCG brands.
After a short break to take care of her two small little girls, she asked herself what world and legacy are we leaving behind for them and decided it was time to dedicate her skills and time to a more tangible and urgent cause. She joined Goumbook in February 2024 supporting the circular economy team and is now Campaign Leader of UNISOAP initiative.
Nasrin Suleiman
Business Development & Campaign Senior Manager
A long-standing member of the Goumbook team, Nasrin Suleiman is an environmental advocate with a background in wildlife conservation and environmental management.
Since joining in 2013, she has led impactful programmes such as Give a Ghaf Tree Planting and Trees Matter, advancing reforestation and mangrove restoration efforts across the region.
Nasrin is passionate about nature-based solutions and has played a key role in scaling Goumbook’s tree-planting and corporate partnership initiatives. Her leadership continues to drive the organisation’s mission to promote biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable growth both locally and globally.
Janelle Lopez
CSR & Engagement Senior Manager
With over 12 years of experience and a background in architecture and interior design, Janelle Lopez leads Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and employee engagement programmes at Goumbook. She partners with corporate clients to design and deliver impactful team-building experiences that combine sustainability education with meaningful action.
Beyond her CSR leadership, Janelle supports Goumbook’s awareness and outreach campaigns, ensuring each project strengthens community participation and environmental consciousness. Passionate about both sustainability and animal welfare, she advocates for holistic impact that benefits people, animals, and the planet.
Cecilia Romero
Senior Manager - Take a Breath
Cecilia Romero, founder of the social enterprise Manta & Rebozo, is driven by a strong commitment to social impact and environmental health. At Goumbook, she serves as Senior Manager of the Take a Breath campaign, leading end-to-end implementation of air quality studies across the UAE.
Her work focuses on monitoring and improving indoor air quality, managing supplier coordination, data analysis, and budget oversight to ensure effective delivery. Cecilia’s leadership bridges science, community engagement, and practical solutions that empower schools and organisations to take action against air pollution. Through her role, she continues to advance Goumbook’s mission to create healthier, more sustainable indoor environments for all.
Omaima Sirelkhatim
Senior Manager - Youth Action
Omaima Sirelkhatim leads Goumbook’s Youth Action programmes, focusing on environmental education, capacity building, and sustainable behaviour change.
She works closely with schools and youth organisations to embed sustainability principles within learning and community engagement. Holding a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies and Disaster Management, Omaima is also a certified Trainer of Trainers (TOT) and Advanced First Aid Attendant.
Her background enables her to design impactful educational and CSR initiatives that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Passionate about youth empowerment and education, Omaima plays a key role in advancing Goumbook’s mission to nurture eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow.
Hagar Haggag
Education & CSR Facilitator
With more than 10 years of experience in learning, development, and civil society projects, Hagar Haggag brings a human-centred approach to her work at Goumbook. She has led initiatives across women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and active citizenship, and is passionate about creating learning experiences that inspire action. As part of Goumbook’s Education team, Hagar facilitates workshops and awareness sessions that encourage youth and adults to adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives. Guided by her belief in “leaving the world better than we found it,” she helps bridge the gap between education and environmental responsibility across the UAE.
Prachi Goel
Programme Manager
Prachi Goel is the Programme Manager for the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture, where she oversees accelerator programmes promoting sustainability, innovation, and regenerative practices. Her skills in content creation, digital storytelling, and workflow automation help amplify Goumbook’s mission through creative communication and operational efficiency. Before joining Goumbook in 2024, Prachi founded two sustainable startups in India – DearCows, focused on health-based dairy products, and Ecosys, promoting refill-reuse systems for household cleaners. She later worked in Dubai with Liquid of Life, advancing water sustainability initiatives. Prachi brings entrepreneurial energy and strategic insight to every project she leads at Goumbook.
Milena Bonomi
Campaign Manager
With over 13 years of international experience in corporate operations and stakeholder management, Milena Bonomi combines strategic leadership with a deep commitment to social and environmental impact. Holding a degree in International Relations and Human Rights, she has led global teams within multinational organisations and spearheaded initiatives in education and community development. At Goumbook, Milena applies her expertise to sustainability campaigns and project management, ensuring operational excellence and measurable outcomes. Her volunteer work with NGOs and youth groups across Africa reflects her lifelong dedication to building more equitable and sustainable communities.
Julie Chesterfield
Project Manager
Based in the UAE, Julie Chesterfield is a decarbonisation project manager currently pursuing studies in Corporate Sustainability and Innovation at Harvard University. After a career in marketing strategy within the luxury fashion industry, Julie transitioned to sustainability to align her work with her values.An Impact Ambassador and avid scuba diver, Julie advocates for marine conservation and climate action. At Goumbook, she applies her strategic background to develop decarbonisation and environmental impact projects, bridging creativity with purpose to support a more sustainable future.
Gilda Castro Rios
Creative
Gilda Castro Rios is an experienced creative and brand strategist with over a decade in Dubai working with non-profits and sustainability-driven businesses. She specialises in visual storytelling, design strategy, and creative leadership, helping purpose-led organisations bring their missions to life.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and holding degrees in Management, Design, and Digital Marketing, Gilda thrives in multicultural environments. At Goumbook, she drives creative direction across campaigns and brand communications, ensuring every initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to environmental and social impact.
Pooja Sridhar
Social Media Expert
With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing and advertising in the UAE, Pooja Sridhar brings deep expertise in strategic communications and audience engagement. She has worked across industries including FMCG, banking, retail, automotive, and CSR events, helping brands grow their online presence. At Goumbook, Pooja leads social media strategy, newsletters, and content campaigns, amplifying the visibility of the organisation’s 12 sustainability-focused initiatives. Her work ensures that Goumbook’s message of environmental stewardship reaches diverse audiences and drives community participation across the region.
Cherelyn Bitoca
Finance
Cherelyn Bitoca is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of experience across multiple industries. A BS Accountancy graduate, she brings strong expertise in financial operations, reporting, and analysis, with a proven ability to adapt to complex organisational structures.
At Goumbook, Cherelyn ensures the integrity of all financial processes, supporting the organisation’s strategic growth and sustainable operations. Her diverse experience enables her to balance accuracy, transparency, and efficiency, making her an invaluable part of the team.