WORLD WATER THINK
About the Team
World Water Think (WWT) consists of a team of professionals, consultants, and undergraduate and postgraduate students who implement the mission and vision of the project, coordinate the interactive platform and all resources, develop relationships with organizations, and lead the day-to-day operations of the organization. The organization is advised by a Board of Directors, who oversee the logistics, funding, and operations.
Team Members
Founder & Executive Director
Ayo Oum Shanti
Ayo serves as the Founder and Executive Director of World Water Hub, in addition to her role on the Board of Directors. She has always had a special relationship with water having been taught at a very young age to respect both the nurturing/healing aspects of water as well as its power and force in nature. She has a BA in English (Hunter College, CUNY) and water is a theme that runs through her published works, including prose, poetry, and the novel The Red Qipao. She also has an MA in Emergency and Disaster Management (Metropolitan College of New York). She has traveled often to India to learn from individuals and communities about how they mitigate challenges associated with water conservation.
Director: Education
Anil Kumar
Anil, a Mechanical Engineering graduate turned education enthusiast, is the Founder and Director of Paryatan Foundation in Hisar, Haryana, India. He has dedicated himself to revolutionizing education for underprivileged children by developing a unique curriculum that empowers students to learn without traditional methods. His efforts have successfully mainstreamed more than 500 students, bridging the education gap and providing second chances for brighter futures. Anil remains committed to transforming the education system and creating an inclusive and accessible education for all.
Director: Outreach & Communications
Suzanna Schofield
Suzanna, a graduate in Environmental Studies and Peace and Justice Studies from Wellesley College, has been passionate about human-environmental conflicts for as long as she can remember. With concentrations in water conservation, sustainable community development, and public health, and almost a decade of experience in conservation, she believes that global collaborative community-based initiatives focused on co-existence and restoration with a One Health lens will be the most effective in establishing climate resilient communities. Suzanna is involved in the leadership of many environmental initiatives and organizations including Wellesley College EnAct, Sustainable Hope In Real Action Foundation, the Rachel Carson Council, and more.
Director: Research & Development
Samiha Sharma
Samiha, a passionate economics graduate from the prestigious Delhi University, is a research enthusiast as well as a nature and water aficionado. She has experience in research and a strong interest in solving economic challenges. Samiha is deeply inspired by the beauty of nature and is particularly drawn to the serenity found in waterbodies. She finds balance and inspiration in the natural world. With her solid academic foundation and practical exposure, she strives to combine analytical rigor with an appreciation for the need for sustainability in all her endeavors.
Creative Media Consultant
James Russo
James, a native New Yorker, is a multi award winning artist and content creator, with 25+ years industry experience as writer, producer, director, cinematographer, editor, and motion-graphics designer for national TV ads, films, and TV series. He was the former writer, producer & director of Sport Fishing Television. James has extensive brand experience including with Google, NASA, and Nike. He is the founder of the U.S. based production company and creative boutique, Active Image Group.
James’ passion for the world’s oceans and waters comes from his life-long dedication to protecting the waters of our planet and the various species that depend on safe, clean, aquatic habitats.
Board of Directors
(CFO) Chief Financial Officer
Jimmy Atencio
Jimmy is the former Associate Director of Business Operations for ESPN Outdoors. There, his focus was on B.A.S.S. & the Bassmaster Classic. He was also a financial analyst for LAPTV, a joint venture between Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, MGM & 20th Century FOX. Jimmy also spent time as the Int'l Operations Manager at Walt Disney Television, where he helped launch Disney Channel Mexico Argentina & Brazil. Recently, Jimmy worked in global distribution for TransWorld, Warren Miller Films & Bonnier Television U.S.
(CVO) Chief Visionary Officer
Ayo Oum Shanti
Ayo Oum Shanti oversees the Board of Directors in addition to her role as Founder and Executive Director of the World Water Hub.
Please Note:
Min Kim and Sushmita Kosuri have moved on to new endeavors in their lives.
We would like to express our appreciation for their time, effort, and thoughtful input, which helped us to move forward to where we are today.
Thank you Min! Thank you Sushmita! We wish you both all the best.
(CCCO) Chief Culture & Communications Officer
Barbara Goodwin
Barbara Goodwin works as a co-producer of fine antique, art, design, and jewelry shows in various markets throughout the country. She was previously the Show Director of the AVENUE Antique, Art and Design Show at the Park Avenue Armory in NYC and prior to that, had a long career in various areas of magazine publishing. Her humor essays have appeared in The New York Times and The Jewish Forward. She is a graduate of Simmons University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.
Chief Science & Research Officer
Stephen Greenlee
Stephen Greenlee, a graduate from the University of California at San Diego in Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, is a passionate outdoorsman and advocate for water conservation and sustainability. He currently serves as a Board Member of World Water Hub, a non-profit organization connecting citizens and scientists in an open, collaborative platform dedicated to sharing knowledge and solutions that address global water issues. Previously, Mr. Greenlee has volunteered in other community and nationally based organizations including The Boy Scouts of America and city committees in which he advised on matters related to recreation programs, activities, and facilities. When not enjoying the bounty of nature, Mr. Greenlee works in strategic sales management for a global consulting firm.