OUR MARINE-SAVING MISSION

Courtney Boyd Myers (Founder & CEO of AKUA) is an entrepreneur, environmentalist, writer, and new Mama to Romy Ocean. Prior to launching AKUA, she helped build the Summit Community, a global network of founders, creatives, and innovators. Previously, she helped market companies such as Four Sigmatic and Unframed Ice Cream. She began her career as a journalist at Forbes Magazine and The Next Web and has been recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business. She currently serves as an advisor to GreenWave.

Essi was born and raised in Finland but moved to New York after finding her dream job with an Organic Food Distributor over a decade ago. She has worked with CPG Startups ever since then and has a passion for all better for your products. Essi is a mama of 2 and is all about efficiency. You can find her “passive multitasking” at all times, like taking walking calls or listening to an audiobook while running. When offline, she loves to spend time with her family or travel to the tropics!

Kalli began her career in DC working in international politics and advocacy, but she quickly realized there were more exciting and impactful channels (like food!) through which she could fight for change. Searching for a more vibrant, connected, and hope-driven career & life, she moved to LA where she founded her own creative agency that catered solely to plant-based and climate-friendly brands. After a year of consulting for AKUA, Kalli became convinced that kelp can help to change the course of climate change and made the decision to join the team full-time as Head of Brand. Outside of work, you can find Kalli running pop-up yoga & fitness events around LA and chilling beachside.

Prior to joining the AKUA team, Peter built and led product development and optimization for restaurants such as Burger King and Dennys. He worked to bring new and enhanced products to market including the Angus Steakburger, TenderCrisp Chicken Sandwiches, and Burger King's first Value Menu.

Doris started her career in the shipping industry as part of the Operations handling Buying and Procurement of raw materials. She is an accomplished and goal-driven manager with more than 20 years of experience in FMCG and the start-up world. Her favorite part of her job is knowing she is directly impacting the team's growth and helping customers enjoy a smooth experience.

Chess is AKUA's retail and food service sales expert. From restaurants to grocery stores, AKUA products are on shelf and in-stock thanks to her passion and diligence.

Anna is a Las Vegas native, now located in Los Angeles. In addition to her work at AKUA, she helps US states transition to 100% clean energy through policy work.

Brendan Coffey, co-founder of GreenWave, is a social entrepreneur with a background in building sustainable businesses. He holds a degree from Enstitute, where he apprenticed under the leaders of Shelby.tv and Sandbox. Previously, he ran business development for a cooperative of over 30 sustainable businesses and has been profiled by Forbes and CNBC.

As AKUA's first celebrity influencer, partner, and investor, Chelsea Kauai has shown us how impactful influencer partnerships can be. Her passion for human and environmental health, love for the ocean, and like-minded community has helped our brand reach millions.

World-renowned ocean-conservationist, environmental activist, and Sony Artisan & National Geographic contributing photographer, Cristina Mitty acts as an advisor to AKUA regarding our ocean-conservation efforts. As the co-founder of SeaLegacy, a conservation expedition bringing together the world's leading scientists, educators, influencers, and filmmakers to showcase the power of ocean solutions, Cristina provides AKUA with an unparalleled perspective.

Jarret Christie is a venture investor and board advisor focused on the future of food. His unique investment framework combines expertise in markets, nutrition, and consumer goods. Prior to providing capital and advisory services to entrepreneurs full-time, Jarret spent 14 years in the alternative investments industry at Bank of America, Citadel, and Cornerstone Macro.

Vegan chef, food allergen expert, and champion for the planet, Leslie is leading the plant-based movement that refuses to sacrifice deliciousness for sustainability. Walking the vegan path since childhood, the Italian American and Southern California native shares her meatless mindset on television and by creating award-winning, plant-based food programs hotels all over the world.

Chef Grace’s start in the culinary industry began behind the scenes working for Food Network, where she produced and directed Throwdown with Bobby Flay. She was also a contestant on Masterchef USA, showing her impressive skills in the kitchen and as a result, earning a scholarship to the French Culinary Institute where she continued to hone her cooking skills. Chef Grace is the author of two books, The Five Ingredient Electric Cooker Cookbook and La Latina. She currently resides in New York City.