The Team
Who We Are
PANELS OF
I Exist Too 2025
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
CARL KING.
Seafarers Social
THOMAS GRANT.
Researcher
Dr. RENÈE RIJKHOEK
Education Manager & Consultant
GEORGE BELCHER.
Marine Consultant on Neurodiversity
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
CAJSA JERSLER.
Swedish Maritime Administration
