As a Filipina growing up right by Sydney's famed Bondi Beach, its no wonder Karina grew up to have a love for the water and environment more broadly.

As a passionate conservationist and more broadly interested in International Development, Karina has travelled the world contributing to projects protecting both the environment and welfare of marginalised communities wherever she goes.

That journey brought her to become the Co-Founder of the Centre for Sustainability Philippines, a Not For Profit organisation focused on protecting what little is left of the Philippines biodiverse rainforests.

Her efforts have started in the archipelago of Palawan - commonly referred to as the most beautiful island destination on the planet - where after years of effort, she has successfully lobbied to have a part of the province's forests declared as legally protected.

Hers is a story of never giving up nor giving in, complete with the type of sliding doors moment that solidifies both the human spirit and the magical powers of this universe to deliver for those who deserve it.