About
This is our Story...
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On Friday June 7th, 2019, the 20 strangers from 4 countries met in Portland, OR. These were the original iTUNA members, starting their first day of the Tuna Diplomacy Youth Leadership Program (TDYLP). Organized by WorldOregon with funding from the US Department of State and support from the US Embassies in the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, this ambitious program would eventually lead to the creation of iTUNA.
Sadly, after three weeks of amazing education and research into ocean health in Newport and Portland, TDYLP came to an end on June 29th, 2019. Throughout the program, we formed strong connections and friendships, so towards the end, there were whispers about forming an organization after the conclusion of the program. On the final day of TDYLP, we sat in a hotel lobby and officially created the International Teens Upholding Nature Association (iTUNA). Born out of a desire to stay connected and create environmental change together, we have grown to a multi-continental force for environmental justice and sustainability with more than 350 youth members across 5 countries (Canada, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the United States).
Our Mission
Since our start in the summer of 2019, we have continuously worked towards our mission of “Protecting the Pacific from Sea to Sky”. This mission showcases our focus and dedication to the Pacific Ocean, aiming to eventually form a network of youth environmentalists from all of the countries within and around the Pacific.
We push towards our mission through a two-sided plan. In communities like the Marshall Islands where our members are experiencing the devastating effects of climate change firsthand, we are working to teach about sustainable fishing, ocean health, and hosting environmental cleanup events. On the other-side, in communities like the United States and Canada, we are working to spread the message and plight of climate change victims. We aim to promote youth environmental activism as well as host environmental cleanups that tie our entire organization together.
iTUNA in Action
President
larry.huang03
Originally born in Taiwan, but moving to Vancouver, WA at an early age, Liyu grew up surrounded by nature, developing a love that culminated in the founding of iTUNA after he attended the Tuna Diplomacy Youth Leadership Program. Growing up, he learned to explore, research, and fight for nature, so through iTUNA, he wants to give youth the chance to make change. Liyu wants to start iTUNA chapters in more countries to build a global network of youth environmentalists that protect the largest ocean in the world.
Liyu Huang
OUR TEAM
At the head of all of our projects and initiatives is our amazing Executive Team! Made up of 11 powerful youths, our 2020-2021 Executive Team works tirelessly to lead this truly youth-led and youth-driven environmental organization! Please contact us if you are interested in applying for next year's Officer Team! Hover over each picture to learn more about our officers!
Vice-President
ryan.welch.03
Ryan has lived in Vancouver his entire life. He first got involved with environmental causes in 2015, and is keenly aware of just how fragile the natural world is. Driven by a desire to be a part of the fight against climate change, he founded and currently serves as president of the Skyview High School branch of iTUNA, which has contributed hundreds of hours to environmental causes. Now a senior at Skyview, he regularly speaks in support of environmentalist causes at the local and state levels.
Ryan Welch
Communications
Director
_bianca.bb
Bianca was born in New York City, but moved at a young age to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. After attending National Geographic’s series “Nat Geo Live”, Bianca was inspired to participate in environmental activism in her area. In the future, she would like to participate in international environmental projects and visually document iTUNA’s projects to expand its online presence and reach as an up and coming nonprofit.
Bianca Bucerzan
Secretary
sssshellyy
Shelly was born in Vancouver, Washington and has been surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest for all of her life, which, paired with her environmental activism, is the reason she joined iTUNA. After attending a global conference in Scotland focused on fighting climate change, she wanted to do more. She plans to continue using her voice and knowledge about the issue to create positive change as secretary this year.
Shelly Ferina
Treasurer
myahlauryn
Myah was born in Portland, Oregon, but moved to Vancouver, Washington at a young age, and has had a love for the nature around her for as long as she can remember. Myah has been doing her best to protect the environment, so joining iTUNA only gave her another outlet to do so. Myah hopes to use iTUNA as a platform to raise awareness of the environmental help our world needs and work first hand in aiding our planet. This year, she will be working to develop and expand the financial structure of iTUNA.
Myah Carley
United States Representative
katiehxynh
Katie Huynh is a senior at HeLa High School in Vancouver, WA. Her journey with environmentalism started in her freshman year where she joined HeLa’s environmental club, caring for local parks, educating fifth graders, and participating in March for Science PDX. After the club disbanded, she spent her time educating herself on the environment, enrolling in Stream Stewards where she got to learn the science side of environmentalism. She was invited to join iTUNA in junior year, where she served as the regional representative for Southwest Washington.
Katie Huynh
Palau Representative
orikloulechad
Born in the Republic of Palau, Oreall has developed a deep love and understanding of the ocean. Since he was 15, Oreall worked with non profit organizations dealing with environmental issues, which was what got him interested in joining the iTUNA team. With iTUNA he hopes to unite and spread the knowledge of environmental problems and how we can continue to solve them together!
Oreall Kloulechad
Marshall Islands Representative
wilmerjoel51
Wilmer Joel lives in Majuro, the capital city of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Ever since a flood destroyed his home, his love and passion for environmental justice has led him to be in many different clubs and organizations. He joined iTUNA because he wanted to make a change, since the Marshalls are vulnerable to climate change and limited to oceanic resources. For this year he wants to at least help inspire youths to be part of iTUNA as did his predecessor Bolden, and he wants to wake the minds of all businesses and politicians to stop destroying the beauty of the environment & ocean just because of money.
Wilmer Joel
Canada Representative
bray.29
Born and raised in Canada, British Columbia. Growing up, Brayden has always been surrounded by forests, and had the opportunity to travel to many places with many different oceans nearby. Seeing the diversity and the beauty of nature had inspired her to help our environment. Joining the sustainability club at a young age, and watching the seniors take part in helping the community only gave her more motivation to help run it. Brayden wants to inspire others to live in consideration of our ecosystem, for the sake of our future and generations to come.
Brayden Marcelino
Micronesia Representative
Isabella spent her whole life on Pohnnpei, Micronesia, her beautiful home that helped form the woman that she is today. The amount of environmental problems on her little island, motivated her to protect and change her home island, and citizens, for the better. Isabella is currently a junior at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High school, and has been the class president for all three years of high school. With the amazing experience of listening to and leading the youth, she makes sure to use that and continue taking on challenges, speaking out, and inspiring others to be the change that
our world needs. Coming from an unfamiliar country in the Pacific, she strives to bring attention to the beauties and accomplishments of Pohnpei, Micronesia.
Isabella Sipos
isamwahh
Micronesia advisor
Kaselhlie Maingk o, Lenwo, Ran Annim, Mogethin. Mayren Saimon Wichep is from the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia and she will be this year’s FSM advisor. Seving as the FSM representative last year, this will be her second time taking official roles in environmental-related issues. With her love for the simplicity yet beauty of her home and her desire for contributing to caring for our ocean and the environment, she looks forward to sharing the beauty of Pohnpei, Micronesia with the world in order to create change.