Team
Cedric Brusselmans
Co-Founder
With a Master’s in Business Engineering (UCLouvain), an MBA (INSEAD), and postgraduate studies in Energy & Climate (UAntwerp), Cedric is a two-time exited tech entrepreneur turned social entrepreneur and Entrepreneur in Residence at INSEAD. He founded nonprofit programs focused on climate and biodiversity and directed a documentary following teenagers traveling 25,000 km across Eurasia. A sailor, Ironman 70.3 triathlete, and mountaineer, he combines purpose and exploration.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he brings expertise in community and venture building, filmmaking, sailing and expeditions, and scientific partnerships.
Denis Bonnewijn
Co-Founder
Holding a Master’s in Engineering (UCLouvain) and a postgraduate degree in Corporate Finance (Solvay Business School), Dennis has led renewable energy development projects across Europe. A strong advocate for the energy transition, circular economy, and zero waste, he is also an endurance athlete and lifelong sailor with over 40,000 nautical miles logged.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he contributes expertise in sailing and expeditions, finance, engineering, management, and sustainable transitions.
Catarina Chaves
Sponsoring
Holding a Master’s in Physics Engineering from the University of Lisbon, specialized in optics and the space sector, Catarina combines scientific research with communications and educational content work in social and climate NGOs. A photographer and silver jewellery maker inspired by nature and cinema, she is driven by meaningful impact.
At Nemo & Anakin™, she brings expertise in fundraising and sponsorships, research, and communications.
Fernando Tartaglia
Project Manager
With a background in Energy Engineering and the global energy transition, Fernando is drawn to people, their stories, resilience, and hopes. Years of volunteering, from refugee support to education, have shaped a strong commitment to social impact.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he brings expertise in international project management involving diverse stakeholders.
Jeanne Vandermeeren
Scientific Engagement
An Oceanography graduate focused on Arctic ecosystems and climate-related processes, Jeanne is a passionate hiker and diver, she is eager to deepen understanding of marine environments. Motivated to make climate challenges accessible and engaging, she combines science and exploration.
At Nemo & Anakin™, she contributes expertise in scientific partnerships, Arctic ecosystems, and diving.
Martin van Ypersele
Scientific Engagement
Holding a Master’s in Oceanography (ULiège), Martin is a field researcher and ocean enthusiast passionate about fisheries and the links between people and the sea. He has led fishing and research expeditions in the tropics and is deeply engaged in mapping and science communication.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he brings expertise in scientific partnerships, fisheries, sailing and expeditions, science storytelling, and youth engagement.
Mathieu Vasey
Youth Empowerment & Learning
Holding a Master’s in Oceanography (ULiège), Mathieu is dedicated to reconnecting Western societies with nature and the oceans. A science communicator and field researcher, he has worked as an educational guide at the Aquarium-Museum of Liège and draw inspiration from music, sport, and mountains.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he brings expertise in educational content design, youth engagement, science communication, and environmental storytelling
Morgane Ashby
Marketing & Communication
Holding a BA in Business Studies (UBI Business School), Morgane is driven by curiosity and a passion for meaningful communication. Focused on how ideas connect people and inspire action, she explores how marketing can create positive impact.
At Nemo & Anakin™, she contributes expertise in digital marketing, communication, and bringing ideas to life.
Noëlle Gahan
Sponsoring
Former CMO of the China Team for the America’s Cup and CEO of ChinaSpirit, Noëlle raised tens of millions in sponsorships before returning to the tech sector. A competitive outrigger and dragon boat paddler, she has represented Hong Kong twice at the Outrigger World Championships.
At Nemo & Anakin™, she brings expertise in fundraising and sponsorships, brand, marketing and storytelling, and cross-cultural ocean sports.
Roman Geysens
Routing & Logistics
With a Master’s in Bioengineering and Forestry Management (UCLouvain), Roman is committed to nature and sustainable transitions in agriculture and forestry. A professional sailing instructor and nautical license examiner, he has sailed across the Atlantic and participated in numerous regattas.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he contributes expertise in sailing and boat preparation, scientific research, and agroecological transition.
Samuele Lanzanova
Youth empowerment & Learning
Holding a Master’s in Educational Sciences (VUB), Samuele has worked across Africa and Europe, connecting learning, mobility, and human stories in contexts shaped by social and environmental change. Passionate about education, dialogue, and storytelling, he seeks to make complex global challenges meaningful and accessible.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he brings an education-focused perspective fostering community engagement, knowledge exchange, and impact-driven projects rooted in real-life experiences.
Simbarashe Manyika
Youth Empowerment & Learning
A learning experience designer and advisor, Simbarashe works with NGOs and mission-driven organizations to co-create sustainable learning programs grounded in learning science and educational technology. His focus lies in empowering young adults and strengthening community impact.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he contributes expertise in learning experience design, capacity building, educational technology integration, and impact-oriented program design.
Surya Leonard
Team & Recruitment
A Public Law student at ULB, Surya is a social and climate activist dedicated to social justice, human rights, and access to rights. She has worked with Law Students with Refugees and Genepi and is actively involved in climate movements.
At Nemo & Anakin™, she brings expertise in recruitment, inclusion, and collective engagement.
Vincent Brusselmans
Sponsoring
A media strategist and buyer with over 20 years of experience, Vincent has worked in marketing, media planning, and fundraising for major sporting events, including the Belgian World Cup, IP Belgium, DPG Media, and RTL Belgium.
At Nemo & Anakin™, he contributes expertise in fundraising and sponsorships, brand and marketing, and cross-cultural sports events.
