Our Team
Making Waves Coalition was founded in 2018 by three friends who witnessed the impacts of plastic pollution firsthand through their work in marine science and at their local surf breaks. Overwhelmed by how pervasive the issue had become along their coastline and in their own lives, they decided to take action.
What began simply as an effort to raise awareness on plastic pollution and waste has evolved over the years into a dynamic organization led by five women- all who share a deep passion for the ocean, surfing, and protecting the environment. At its heart is the belief that the more connected we feel to the world around us, the more inspired we are to care for it.
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Nadia Serghis
Nadia spent her childhood immersed in and around the water swimming, exploring, and later surfing. From a very young age she was drawn to the ocean and found she couldn’t stay away from it (nor did she want to). Following her passion she decided to study marine science, earning a B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science & Policy from Monmouth University. Her deep connection to the ocean has inspired her to want to share this love and passion with others. Nadia dedicates her life to sharing this connection and spreading awareness on environmental issues all with hopes of empowering others to be the change our planet needs.
When do you feel most empowered?
After a fun surf with my girlfriends.
What is a quote you live by?“Find out who you are. And do it on purpose.”
-Dolly Parton
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Rita Hjelm
Born and raised in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, Rita spent her childhood building sandcastles and chasing after waves on Sandy Hook Gateway National Park. She has been completely enchanted by the ocean for as long as she can remember. This enchantment became passion at the University of South Carolina where she earned a B.S. in Marine Science. After working a few different jobs in NJ she decided to move abroad to pursue M.S. in Sustainability and Environmental Science at Lund University in 2021. Outside of her day job working with another nonprofit based in Copenhagen, she loves swimming, sewing, and chasing waves in new places.
When do you feel most empowered?
When I’m active and creative - either in the water, or at my sewing machine.
What is a quote you live by?“If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both salt water mixed with air.”
-Niyyirah Waheed
What is one book everyone should read in their lifetime? -
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Erika Bernal
Erika received her masters in Marine Biology at Montclair State University. She was first introduced to marine debris when she started volunteering on a shellfish project. Since then, Erika has been passionate about bringing awareness to the global plastic problem by public speaking at events in hopes of creating a more sustainable planet. In her spare time, when she’s not chasing her toddler around she spends her free time running her own business and teaching her daughter how important it is to connect with nature.
When do you feel most empowered?
When I am creative or directly helping people feel more connected to the environment.
What is a quote you live by?“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
What is one book everyone should read in their lifetime? -
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Nadine Anderson
Nadine spent her early days growing up on the beach in Ortley Beach, NJ, and from there decided to never live more than a few miles away from the ocean. She studied Business Marketing & Management at Monmouth University, and remained in Monmouth County until spending a few years in Upstate New York. The mountains felt equally as spiritually nourishing as the ocean in their own way, however eventually, she was drawn back to the ocean full time, spending time between Highlands, NJ and Hatteras Island in Frisco, NC. Nadine loves to spend time with her hound dog Lucy and life partner Kevin, eating oysters, riding motorcycles, adventuring, and staying as salty as possible.
When do you feel most empowered?
When I am out in nature either standing in front of the ocean, or amongst the trees in a forest.
What is a quote you live by?My dad always taught me to never turn your back to the ocean.
What is one book everyone should read in their lifetime? -
![Tania Branquinho]()
Tania Branquinho
Tania grew up in Portugal, spending summers on the beaches of Costa da Caparica, where she formed a lifelong connection to the ocean. Fascinated by how design impacts human experience and natural resources, she moved to the U.S. to earn a B.A. in Interior Design and a Master of Architecture. Her work explores how science and technology can foster more equitable, inclusive design, from the integration of physical computing in interiors to using neuroscience tools to measure emotional and sensorial responses. She is currently researching the health impacts of water in interior environments at Pratt Institute, where she teaches and serves as Assistant Chair in Interior Design. She spends most of her free time surfing in Sandy Hook with her friends and husband, Dan.
When do you feel most empowered?
In acts of kindness and empathy. When I am able to bring joy and a sense of belonging to an environment, community, or individual. Ultimately I feel most empowered when I help empower others.
What is a quote you live by?"I feel therefore I am"
-Antonio Damasio
What is one book everyone should read in their lifetime?
