With over 35 years of experience, Mark has applied his business expertise and global leadership skills to founding and developing organizations that have elevated livelihoods worldwide. He has served as CEO and Managing Director for more than a decade, leading his own enterprises in the U.S., India, and Thailand.

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Mark has also provided highly successful leadership in business, cultural, and technology transformation for multiple international organizations, including the U.S. Air Force, various NGOs, and several Fortune 20 companies such as AT&T, ExxonMobil, Time Warner, and AMEX.

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Since 2012, he has been a Certified Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) SPC and continues to leverage methodologies from SAFe, Fuller Theological Seminary’s Global Leadership Program, John Kotter’s 8 Steps for Leading Change, and IDEO’s Design Thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation.

David McIlwraith is a seasoned legal professional and business leader with over 30 years of experience in human rights, sustainable development, and community engagement. As the Director of AlgaLeste Seaweed Company, he leverages his expertise to promote sustainability in the seaweed industry, ensuring environmental and community benefits.

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With a strong background in law and human rights, David has worked on commercial law, international taxation, and legislative drafting, including contributions to the Emotional Well-Being Institute in Geneva. His work emphasizes integrating human rights into policy frameworks.

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A champion of sustainable development, David has led initiatives in green energy, mining, and agriculture. As a consultant for the World Bank, he developed the Mine Closure Policy, setting a precedent for responsible resource management.

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David also has extensive experience in business development and strategic consulting, having worked as an internal consultant at Shell Australia and spearheading performance and training improvements. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including mining, energy, and agriculture.

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A passionate advocate for community engagement, David designed Papua New Guinea’s National Youth Employment Strategy and has worked on indigenous welfare reform in Australia. His leadership ensures inclusive and impactful policies.

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Currently, as In-House Counsel for GEObjects, he focuses on implementing environmental analytics software to help countries meet carbon reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.

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With his diverse expertise, David plays a crucial role in aligning AlgaLeste’s mission with sustainability, legal integrity, and community empowerment.

Eligito Dos Santos is a dedicated director and co-founder of Algaleste LDA, a company committed to sustainable development and innovative project management. With extensive experience in international development, he has worked with major global organizations, including the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). His academic background, which includes a Master’s Degree in International Development from Nagoya University and a Bachelor’s in Development Studies from Victoria University Wellington, has equipped him with a strong foundation in stakeholder engagement and agricultural finance.

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Currently, Eligito serves as a Project Implementation Consultant for the World Bank in Dili, Timor-Leste, where he ensures that projects meet their objectives within set timelines and budgets. His role involves providing strategic advice on operational challenges and ensuring effective project execution. Previously, he worked as a National Cash Transfers Specialist with FAO-UN, where he played a key role in strengthening stakeholder communication and implementing cash transfer programs that benefited vulnerable communities.

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Eligito’s career also includes significant contributions as a Knowledge Management Officer at World Vision International and an Education Research Consultant at JICA. In these roles, he developed expertise in data management, project coordination, and community outreach, further enhancing his ability to implement impactful development initiatives.

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His professional skill set includes project management, data analysis using tools such as Excel, STATA, SPSS, and Kobotoolbox, as well as multilingual communication in English, Tetun, Indonesian, Japanese, and Portuguese. These capabilities allow him to navigate complex development projects with efficiency and cultural sensitivity.

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Eligito remains deeply committed to advancing sustainable initiatives that improve community welfare and agricultural productivity. His leadership in Algaleste LDA reflects his vision for a more resilient and prosperous future, where innovative solutions drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Passionate about environmental sustainability and community development, Mario works at AlgaLeste to empower coastal communities in Timor-Leste through sustainable seaweed farming. With an academic background in International Relations, they bring a global perspective to local challenges, ensuring that AlgaLeste not only drives economic growth but also fosters environmental stewardship.

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In addition to entrepreneurship, Mario is also a facilitator and advocate for women’s empowerment, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thrive. Their work reflects a commitment to sustainable business models, innovative solutions, and the preservation of Timor-Leste’s rich marine resources.

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Recognizing the importance of digital presence, Mario also manages and designs AlgaLeste’s website, ensuring it effectively communicates the company’s mission, solutions, and impact. Through effective website development, they aim to connect with global partners, investors, and communities interested in sustainable seaweed production.

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With a deep appreciation for the intersections of diplomacy, sustainability, and economic development, Mario envisions AlgaLeste as a leading force in the seaweed industry, connecting Timor-Leste’s natural wealth with global markets.

Cornélio is a skilled Strategic Communications Specialist with over two years of experience in media relations, content creation, and stakeholder engagement. With a background in Informatics Engineering and expertise in data analysis, web design, and digital security, he has worked with various organizations, including Plan International Timor-Leste and Timor Telecom.

 

His experience spans project management, research, and graphic design, making him a valuable asset in enhancing brand visibility and engagement. Passionate about effective communication, Cornélio applies innovative and data-driven approaches to support organizational success.

Dioneya is a passionate leader with expertise in youth empowerment, project management, and community engagement. She has extensive experience volunteering with the Rotary Youth Program of Encouragement Timor-Leste (RYPEN), where she has served as Team Leader, Program Coordinator, and Finance Manager. Additionally, she has worked as a Research Assistant and Receptionist at g7+, contributing to governance and development research.

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Her key skills include leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management. Dioneya’s dedication to leadership training and international collaboration aligns with AlgaLeste’s mission to empower communities and promote sustainable development.