Our Team

Executive Director

PAT NICDAO

Pat leads the organization in advancing its vision, mission, and strategic goals. A committed environmentalist since her youth, she brings over a decade of experience in the development sector — from her early years in university student leadership to her work as an advocacy and policy specialist with both local and international NGOs. Drawing on a rich background in movement-building and policy research, Pat guides Manawari’s programmatic and operational direction, ensuring its initiatives are intersectional, rights-based, and equitable. Her leadership is central to the organization’s efforts to address the triple planetary crisis across Southeast Asia.

Deputy Director

SELLA MENDOZA-MARTINEZ

Sella leads the design and implementation of the organization’s programs and projects. She has a decade of experience engaging with youth, local communities, and decision-makers in training, education, and other collaborative initiatives to sharpen knowledge, skills, and perspectives around key issues, including climate change and environmental management. She is committed to ensuring that Manawari SEA effectively engages, equips, and empowers youth leaders through people-centered and purpose-driven engagements, to enable them to meaningfully engage in environment and development advocacy across the region.

IKA PIZARRO

Internal Affairs Head

Ika leads the development and implementation of internal systems that support the organization’s governance, operational integrity, and institutional effectiveness. She oversees the operations and financial management of the Organization, ensuring compliance with the necessary laws and regulations, while supporting the smooth execution of projects and programs of the Organization. Drawing from her interdisciplinary experience, having worked in the academe, the government, and within civil society space, Ika brings a strategic and systems-oriented perspective to strengthening Manawari’s internal operations and institutional partnerships.

Advocacy and Community Engagement Head

KEITH ANCHETA

Keith is a Filipino climate advocate with over half a decade of experience working at the intersection of science, policy, and community. He serves as the Head of Advocacy and Community Engagement at Manawari SEA, where he builds a vital network for young climate leaders across Southeast Asia. Keith is deeply committed to inclusive climate action, focusing on the empowerment of marginalized communities such as persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, women, and individuals of diverse SOGIESC. He leverages his expertise in leading projects that foster meaningful participation and capacity building for young people in climate-vulnerable countries

Den brings her longstanding commitment and research-driven expertise to her role as Knowledge Management Head. Her professional foundation in research on women’s rights, climate change, and inequality has equipped her with a strong grounding in advancing inclusive and evidence-based solutions. In her current role, she translates this background into strategic leadership by strengthening institutional and human resource capacities and ensuring that knowledge systems are effectively harnessed to inform policy, practice, and innovation. Denise integrates advocacy, research, and leadership to advance capacity building and knowledge management that drive transformative change.

Knowledge Management Head