Mariela is the founder of Maré Expedições, a Brazilian adventure travel and diving company specializing in outdoor education and global expeditions. A biologist, dive instructor, and outdoor educator with a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology, she has traveled to over 40 countries, led marine conservation projects in Thailand and Indonesia, and trekked solo to Everest Base Camp. Mariela is passionate about leadership, empathy, diversity, and inclusion, and has led Putney Student Travel programs in Ecuador and the Galápagos, Costa Rica, and Mexico—inspiring students to engage with conservation, cultural exchange, community service, and adventure, and to become confident, responsible global citizens. Mariela is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.