About NAMEPA

Carleen Lyden Walker is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) leveraging off her experience as a marketing and communications professional in the commercial maritime industry with over 40 years of experience.  She specializes in identifying, developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications programs that increase the visibility and effectiveness of NAMEPA as well as the development of educational resources promoting marine environment protection.  She works to develop strategic alliances between industry, regulators, conservation groups and educators to “Save Our Seas”.

In 2015, Ms. Lyden Walker was appointed an Ambassador by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). She is a member of WISTA (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association), the Connecticut Maritime Association, the Marine Society of the City of New York, The National Press Club, WIMAC (Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean) and is a Past-President of the Propeller Club Chapter of the Port of NY/NJ. She was also elected to the Board of Trustees of the Coast Guard Foundation, the Tall Ships America Foundation, New York Harbor Foundation and the New Era Academy Transportation Technologies Program in Baltimore. She was recently named one of the top 100 women in shipping globally.

Ms. Lyden Walker is also Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Marketing & Communications, is Chief Evolution Officer of SHIPPINGInsight, Founder of CARIBMEPA and the Co-Founder/Executive Director of the Consortium for International Maritime Heritage.  In 2010, she was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the United States Coast Guard and in 2014 a Public Service Commendation for her work on World Maritime Day and AMVER, respectively.  Ms. Lyden Walker graduated from Wellesley College with a BA in Political Science and History (minor in Economics), studied Accounting at Cornell School of Business Administration and is a trained facilitator and media trainer.  She held a USCG Captain’s license. 

Lyn Harris has worked in the marine industry for over 20 years. She has built diverse set of management skills through her experience developing strategies and setting policies. She has established streamlined business processes to increase operational effectiveness that enhance the end user experience. Lyn has worked with NAMEPA for over six years. She provides day-to-day leadership and management in driving the mission and core values of the organization. She has identified and developed a strategy to build educational initiatives for seafarers, students and the public. She is a liaison in building alliances and partnerships for the mission of NAMEPA to "Save Our Seas."

Janie Nneji is a highly intuitive leader and program manager with proven ability to plan, organize, and implement programs efficiently and resourcefully. Janie has over 20 years experience working with for-profit and non-profit businesses, developing operational strategies and employee experiences (from recruitment to hiring and training) that deliver business impact. With an engineering degree from Northwestern University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, Janie is an exceptionally strategic and innovative thinker.

Janie brings her experience in program and stakeholder management to NAMEPA to increase operational efficiency and develop strategies with a focus on sustainability. Her passion to engage with communities to make a positive impact socially and environmentally are a great addition to the NAMEPA Team in the mission to Save Our Seas.

Marcela is a seasoned professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, earned from Universidad Mayor de San Simon in Bolivia. With almost 20 years of diverse experience in the corporate landscape, she has established herself as a versatile and accomplished individual.

Marcela's career journey encompasses a range of impactful roles within Corporate America. Notably, she served as a Territory Sales Manager for the Northeastern United States, worked in Customer Support for one of the largest consumer goods corporations in the U.S., and later showcased her project management proficiency during her participation in the SAP Project Cordillera.

Currently, at NAMEPA, Marcela holds a pivotal role in several significant projects. She is instrumental in the development, successful implementation, management, and promotion of the NAMEPA Maritime Sustainability Passport® Program. Collaborating closely with subject matter experts in the maritime industry, Marcela has played a key role in creating innovative solutions to address pressing environmental, social, and governance challenges within the maritime sector.

Marcela's linguistic dexterity shines through in her role as a Spanish editor for all NAMEPA educational materials. Her bilingual skills ensure that critical content is not only accurate but also accessible to a diverse audience, expanding NAMEPA's reach and impact.

Marcela's journey is a testament to her adaptability, leadership, and commitment to driving positive change. Her multifaceted experiences and dedication to the values of NAMEPA make her an invaluable asset to the organization and the broader community.

Rachel is a graduate of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Rachel has a diverse set of skills that comes from an extensive history in holding many positions throughout the years at her previous jobs, developing a great understanding for customer service and organizational skills. At NAMEPA, she is responsible for overseeing a variety of projects, such as office support and educational resources. Outside of NAMEPA, Rachel spends her summers sailing, which she started doing professionally at a young age. Her love of the ocean and the conservation of our seas has been a driving force into why she enjoys working for NAMEPA.

Anika Bjarnadottir, an alumna of Texas Christian University, holds a Bachelor's degree in Strategic Communications with a complementary minor in general business. Leveraging her expertise as the Digital Media Manager at NAMEPA, she spearheads diverse initiatives, skillfully managing the organization's online presence across social media platforms and the website.

Meghan Reilly has a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science Safety and Environmental Protection with a minor in Marine Biology from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. With NAMEPA, Meghan oversees the MARPOL Webinar Series, educational materials, career development projects, as well as collaborating on other educational projects. Outside of NAMEPA, Meghan is the Youth Programs Director at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Cape Cod where she runs their marine science summer camp. Her passions include ocean education, sailing and boating.