Sylvanna is a social scientist with experience in Protected Area Management, scientific research, coastal and marine science, strategic planning, policy, environmental education, leadership and management, capacity building and networking. She holds an MPhil in Conservation Leadership from the University of Cambridge. She is an EDGE Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Fellow and Mandela Washington Fellow. She is a Stakeholder Engagement, Blue Leadership, Negotiation, and Capacity Building trainer.

She is currently co-chairing the Steering Committee of the Ocean Knowledge Action Network (OKAN) and Vice Chairman of the OKAN Chapter in the region, The Ocean Knowledge Action Network – Western Indian Ocean.

Driven by a passion for regional sustainability and capacity building, Sylvanna envisions a future where communities across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) are fully equipped to protect and care for their natural resources. Therefore, she aspires to be a catalyst for collaboration, bridging gaps, advancing science, and building capacity to make a lasting impact in the WIO, creating opportunities for all and fostering regional unity in the pursuit of environmental stewardship. She is deeply committed to empowering early -career professionals.