The Team
Who We Are
PANELS OF
I Exist Too 2025
Day 1. Navigating Identity: LGBTQ+ experiences in the maritime industry.
ABOUT.
This panel explores the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQ + individuals within the maritime industry. It will highlight the intersection of personal identity and professional life, addressing issues of visibility, inclusivity, and discrimination in maritime workplaces. Panellists will discuss strategies for fostering an inclusive environment that allows LGBTQ + individuals to thrive professionally while navigating the complexities of their identities.
PANEL CHAIR.
Gustavo is the founder of I Exist Too. Throughout his professional career, Gustavo has excelled in vital sectors such as maritime, public administration and education. His contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing his nation's development, as evidenced by his roles at prestigious institutions such as the Panama Maritime Authority, the International Maritime University of Panama, and Universidad del Istmo. Gustavo holds a diverse array of master's degrees, including Sociology and Social Research from Newcastle University (UK), Public Administration from Cornell University (USA), and both Business Administration and Business Logistics from Universidad Interamericana de Panamá. He also earned a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Newcastle University, with a research focus on the LGBTIQ+ community within the maritime sector.
GUSTAVO AGUILAR.
PANELISTS.
CHRIS PERRY.
Lloyd´s Register
MARÍA ÅMÅS.
Norwegian Seafarers Union
HARPA STEFÁNSDÓTTIR.
Global Maritime Forum
DAVID O'DONNELL.MOD Police LGBT+ Network
Day 1. Fostering DEI: Student Insights on Maritime Education and Training.
ABOUT.
This panel reflects on the outcomes and impact of the I Exist Too 2023 Forum. Panellists will evaluate the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the 2023 event, assessing how its initiatives and discussions have influenced policy, practice, and advocacy within the maritime and related industries. The session will offer a critical reflection on progress made and areas for continued focus.
PANEL CHAIR.
Cameron Mitchell is the Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry. He is a qualified Marine Engineer and has a Diploma in surveying of ships and yachts. More recently he has completed the Isle of Man Governments Senor Leadership Development Programme.
After a seagoing career as an engineer working for Geest Line, Maersk and Farstad, Cameron moved to the Island in 2001 and joined the Isle of Man’s growing ship register, initially as a surveyor in 2003. He became its Deputy Director in 2018 and Director in 2019.
CAMEORN MITCHELL .
PANELISTS.
ISABEL FERNÁNDEZ.
Barcelona School of Nautical Studies
ADRIANA QUESADA.
EBUNOLUWA OJO-AMI.
NeurodiversAtSea
MARCO SERNAGLIA.
University of Oviedo
KAYNE WEST.
Blackpool and The Fylde College
Day 1. Navigating Inclusivity: Maritime Academies and Universities forging paths to Diversity and Inclusion.
ABOUT.
This panel explores the role of maritime academies and universities in fostering inclusion within the maritime sector. Experts will discuss strategies for integrating inclusive practices into education and training, examining how academic institutions are addressing sexual orientation, gender, race, and other groups in maritime disciplines. Through insights into policy changes, curriculum reforms, and innovative programmes, the panel aims to highlight how educational institutions can create more equitable and inclusive environments for future maritime professionals.
PANEL CHAIR.
Captain Lee Clarke is the General Manager of Isle of Man Maritime; Lee oversees the day-to-day operations of a not-for-profit organisation that supports and promotes the island's growing maritime sector. With over 22 years of experience in the maritime industry, Lee has a strong track record of delivering results, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in the Maritime sector globally.
Capt. LEE CLARKE
PANELISTS.
ROWAN VAN SCHAEREN.
Antwerp Maritime Academy
Dr. ROBYN PYNE
Liverpool John Moores University
Dr. MOMOKO KITADA
World Maritime University
ELDA KAZARA-BELJA.
IMO International Maritime Law Institute
CLAUDIA BARAHONA-FUENTES.
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Day 1. Unity in Diversity: Fostering inclusion across maritime minorities.
ABOUT.
This panel highlights the power of community, emphasizing that inclusion extends well beyond a single group. By embracing diverse identities-spanning ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more-we strenghten the maritime sector. Speakers will discuss how inclusive practices and collective engagement fuel resilience, innovation, and mutual respect, ultimately benefiting all.
PANEL CHAIR.
Luisa Burgess, born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, began her career in the fishing industry, advocating for seafarers' rights. Moving to London in 1990, her maritime joruney began in 2006 under a Navy mentor's guidance. Rising to Advisor at the IMO, she contributed ot key climate strategies and served as Vice Chair of the IOPC Funds. A dedicated mentor and honoree of prestigious naval awards, Luisa champions women in maritime leadership globally
LUISA BURGESS .
PANELISTS.
SELENA JONES.
Seaman Solutions
TIM HILL.
Stella Maris
THOMAS GRANT.
Researcher
RENÉE RIJKHOEK.
Education Manager & Consultant
GEORGE BELCHER.
Marine Consultant on Neurodiversity
DANIEL SMITH.
NeurodiversAtSea
Day 1. Strengthening Regulations: Enhancing LGBTQ+ protection in maritime conventions .
ABOUT.
This panel examines the role of international maritime conventions in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Panellists will analyse the existing legal frameworks and identify gaps in current regulations that fail to adequately address LGBTQ+ issues. The discussion will centre on proposals for improving maritime policies and regulations to ensure better protection and inclusion for LGBTQ+ workers in global maritime operations.
PANEL CHAIR.
Fraser Matthew is a seasoned maritime professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry, including roles international cruise ships and ro-ro passenger ferries. For the past five years, Fraser has served as a Master on ferries around the UK coast and believes in building inclusive working environments onboard.
As a member of the Nautilus International Council, Fraser actively champions seafarer rights, focusing on creating fair working conditions for all maritime professionals. He also serves as a lecturer for Onboard Maritime, inspiring future generations of maritime leaders to embrace diversity and equity in their careers.
FRASER MATTHEW.
PANELISTS.
SIMON GRAINGE.
International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network
MARIA-BEATRICE BERNA.
Titu Maiorescu University
Dr. JAZMINA ROVI
Morgan & Morgan
Dr. KHANSSA LAGDAMI
World Maritime University
ANNA KAPARAKI.
Liverpool John Moores University
Day 1. Anchoring Well-being: Prioritising mental health in maritime work.
ABOUT.
This panel highlights the power of community, emphasizing that inclusion extends well beyond a single group. By embracing diverse identities-spanning ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more-we strenghten the maritime sector. Speakers will discuss how inclusive practices and collective engagement fuel resilience, innovation, and mutual respect, ultimately benefiting all.
PANEL CHAIR.
Dr. Maria Carrera works as a Lecturer (Research) at the Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration Department at the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden.
She has a background in Psychology, in both clinical and organizational fields. Prior to joining WMU in 2019 she also worked at the University of Tilburg (Holland) as a postdoctoral researcher, and between 2015-2018 as a Human Factors Senior Specialist for Lloyd’s Register of Shipping in the Strategic Research and Technology Policy Group (Southampton, UK).
Her research focus is on maritime human factors, mental health, psychological wellbeing and safety behaviour.
Dr. MARIA CARERRA
PANELISTS.
Dr. BILLIE MOFFAT-KNOX
Newcastle University
Dr. CHARLES WATKIN
Mental Health Support Solutions
CHRIS SHIRLING-ROOKE.
Maritime UK
CAJSA JERSLER.
Swedish Maritime Administration
ANTONIOS ANDREADAKIS.
World Maritime University
Day 2. Casting a Wider Net: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the fishing sector.
ABOUT.
This panel will delve into the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the fishing sector, which is often overlooked in DEI conversations. Panellists will discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals in this sector, where traditional gender roles and workplace cultures may present additional barriers. The session will focus on strategies to promote inclusive practices and enhance DEI within the fishing industry.
PANEL CHAIR.
Anna Petrig holds the Chair of International Law and Public Law at the University of Basel in Switzerland. She teaches and researches in various areas of international law, with a particular passion for the protection of people at sea. As well, Anna was sitting as Judge ad hoc for Switzerland on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Cases 27 and 29 and is one of the drafters of the Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea
ANNA PETRIG.
PANELISTS.
HANNAH FENNELL.
Orkney Fisheries Association
SONIA DAPONTE.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
MAJA SAVIĆ-BOJANIĆ. Sarajevo School of Science and Technology
DEBORAH LAYDE.
The Seafarers’ Charity
BECCA WILLIAMS.
Seafood and Gender Equality
Day 2. Safeguarding LGBTQ+ professionals: The role of maritime authorities.
ABOUT.
This panel examines the critical role of maritime governmental bodies in safeguarding LGBTQ+ professionals within the industry. Experts will discuss how policies, regulations, and frameworks can promote a safer, more inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. The panel will explore current challenges faced by LGBTQ+ professionals at sea, and how governmental organisations can take actionable steps to enforce protections, ensure equal treatment, and address discrimination.
PANEL CHAIR.
Gwilym Stone is Deputy Director for Regulations & Standards at the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Gwilym leads the MCA’s regulatory policy teams covering Ship Standards, Navigation, and Seafarer Training. He joined the MCA in 2007 and has had a mix of roles mainly dealing with regulatory matters, including engagement with the International Maritime Organisation. He has also been Chair of the MCA’s LGBT+ staff network since 2019 and is active in promoting inclusion both within work and beyond.  .
GWILYM STONE.
PANELISTS.
ANYÈS NAUWELAERTS.Directorate-General Shipping
IVAN TABONE.
Malta Ship Registry
JOHN COUSLEY.
UK Department of Transport
DOMINIKA LEMPICKA-FICHTER.
European Maritime Safety
Agency
MARIANA NOCETI.
International Maritime Organization
Day 2. Union Advocacy: Protecting LGBTQ+ professionals' rights in the maritime industry.
ABOUT.
This panel addresses the role of maritime unions in advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ professionals. By examining case studies and successful initiatives, panellists will explore how unions can influence policy, offer support, and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ workers. The discussion will also consider strategies for unions to engage more effectively in promoting workplace equality and protecting the rights of marginalised groups in the maritime sector.
PANEL CHAIR.
Kyle Grayson is a Professor of Security, Politics, and Culture and Head of the School of Geography, Politics, and Sociology at Newcastle University. He is an Editor-in-Chief of the academic journal International Political Sociology and Chair of the British International Studies Association. His most recent book is Security Studies: Critical Perspectives co-authored with Xavier Guillaume and published by Oxford University Press.
PROF. KYLE GRAYSON
PANELISTS.
DEIBY PORRAS.
Political Advisor and Coordinator
NIKOLAOS KOLETSIS.
European Transport Workers’ Federation
CLAUDIA VELLA CASAGRANDE .
Malta International Shipowners' Association
STIAN 
GRØTHE .
Norwegian Seafarers Union
KULSOOM JAFRI.
International Transport Workers' Federation
Day 2. Beyond the Surface: Exploring politics, sexualities, and masculinities in the maritime sector.
ABOUT.
This panel examines the social and cultural dimensions beneath maritime work. By analysing political structures, sexualities, history, and masculine norms at sea, we illuminate the forces shaping maritime professionals’ experiences. Experts will discuss how to address these underlying influences to foster equitable and respectful workplaces..
PANEL CHAIR.
Dr. Gareth Longstaff is a senior lecturer and faculty dean of EDI  at Newcastle University, UK. He has  expertise in queer theory, digital media, and LGBTQIA+ identity and is widely published on these issues. He is also interested in how our encounters with queer, digital and networked media, and LGBTQIA+ identities work in both contemporary and historical contexts. His work and knowledge investigate this in the spaces of social and digital media, queer culture, and self-representation, and he understands how these paradigms are connected to our visual, cultural, and social experiences. Dr. Longstaff also works and has extensive experience in the fields of 20th and 21st-century LGBTQIA+ archival research, art history, and cultural knowledge. .
Dr. GARETH LONGSTAFF
PANELISTS.
Dr. STEPHEN SEELY
Newcastle University
Dr. JAMES RAVENHILL
Royal Holloway, University of London
Dr. KATHRIN BETZ
Attorney at Law
Dr. SETH STEIN LEJACQ
City University of New York
HUMBERTO CAROLO.
White Ribbon
Day 2. Implementing DEI Policies: Turning policy into action in maritime organisations.
ABOUT.
This panel delves into the practical challenges and strategies of implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies within maritime organisations. Experts will explore how organisations navigate the complexities of policy implementation across multinational settings, ensuring that DEI initiatives are more than just corporate rhetoric. Panelists will provide insights on how to move from policy to action, ensuring that DEI principles lead to meaningful outcomes in the maritime industry.
PANEL CHAIR.
Keir is a naval architect and works as the Commercial Marine Business Manager for Frazer-Nash Consultancy in London, UK. Keir has over 18 years of experience within the maritime industry, beginning as an engineer cadet, then gaining his Engineer Class III/1 certificate of competency and working on chemical tankers and container ships. Keir graduated from Newcastle University with a Masters of Engineering degree in naval architecture. Keir has worked on maritime projects in the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Japan in a variety of different maritime fields including design, surveying, and salvage.
KEIR GRAVEL.
PANELISTS.
KARINA HULS.
MF Shipping Group
KARIN ORSEL.
European Community Shipowners' Associations
MARTIN LAYNG.
Lloyds Register
NILS HAUPT.
Hapag-Lloyd
KOSTAS KATSOULIERIS.
NorthStandard
Day 2. Reflecting on Progress: Assessing the Impact of I Exist Too 2023.
ABOUT.
This panel reflects on the outcomes and impact of the I Exist Too 2023 Forum. Panellists will evaluate the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the 2023 event, assessing how its initiatives and discussions have influenced policy, practice, and advocacy within the maritime and related industries. The session will offer a critical reflection on the progress made and areas that require continued focus.
The objective is therefore to assess the effectiveness of the I Exist Too 2023 Forum in driving positive change within the maritime industry and to discuss how future iterations can build upon its successes.
PANEL CHAIR.
Nick Morgan brings expertise in cultural studies, focusing on the representation of conflict and community participation in politics. With a background in ethnography and documentary filmmaking, he collaborates across disciplines. Based at Newcastle, he currently serves as Subject Lead for Language-Based Area Studies at NINEDTP and Acting Director of the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Dr. NICK MORGAN.
PANELISTS.
Dr. LAURA CARBALLO PIÑEIRO.
I Exist Too
STIAN 
GRØTHE .
Norwegian Seafarers Union
GINA KIM JIHYEON.
International Transport Workers' Federation