ABOUT US - OUR team

Working together for lasting change.

Communities for Nature is a partnership platform that brings together funders, communities and trusted delivery organisations to co-design and deliver long-term programmes that strengthen nature, livelihoods, education and community resilience — built on trust, transparency and shared accountability.
OUR STORY
OUR PARTNERS
OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM

The people behind
Communities for Nature

Our team works alongside communities, partners and supporters to turn ideas into lasting impact. Together, we bring expertise in conservation, partnership development, communications and programme delivery — connecting people and organisations to create solutions that benefit both nature and communities.

Rhoda Avanzado Phillips

Founder, Chair & CEO
Meet Rhoda →

Ninutska Zenarosa

communications officer
Meet Ninutska →

Julia Pascual

Development Officer
Meet Julia →
Board of Trustees

Providing independent oversight and strategic stewardship

Our Board of Trustees brings together a diverse range of experience across conservation, business, finance, governance and community development. Together, they provide strategic direction, oversight and accountability, ensuring Communities for Nature remains true to its mission and values while delivering lasting impact.

Rhoda Philipps

Founder, Chair & CEO
Meet Rhoda →

Sef Carandang

Secretary
Meet Sef →

Claire Weeks

Treasurer
Meet Claire →

Kaila Trebol

Trustee
Meet Kaila →

Debbie Caunce

Trustee
Meet Debbie →

Emily Yuan

Trustee
Meet Emily →

Richard Friedberger

Trustee
Meet Richard →

Gerry Ledesma

Trustee
Meet Gerry →

Andy Phillips

Trustee
Meet Andy →

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Day-to-day updates from the field, straight from the communities we work with.

Rhoda Avanzado Phillips

Founder, Chair & Chief Executive Officer

Rhoda founded Communities for Nature with a simple belief: that lasting conservation happens when communities are trusted and empowered to lead. She provides the organisation’s strategic leadership, shaping partnerships, mobilising resources and working alongside local leaders, funders and delivery partners to develop long-term programmes that strengthen nature, livelihoods, education and community resilience. Rhoda is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Ninutska Zenarosa

Communications Officer
Ninutska leads Communities for Nature’s communications, storytelling and digital engagement. She works closely with partners and communities to share the stories, people and impact behind our programmes, helping connect supporters with the change happening on the ground.

Julia Pascual

Development Officer
Julia supports strategic partnerships, fundraising and programme development across Communities for Nature’s growing portfolio. She works with partners and supporters to help build long-term collaborations that enable communities to protect nature and strengthen local resilience.

Rhoda Avanzado Phillips

Founder, Chair & Chief Executive Officer

Rhoda Avanzado Phillips is the Founder, Chair and CEO of Communities for Nature, bringing more than 25 years of experience across the public, private and third sectors. Her work sits at the intersection of people, partnerships and purpose, with a focus on turning ideas into practical, lasting change for communities and organisations.

Her commitment to communities and nature began more than two decades ago through her work with the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, where she remains a Trustee. Today, that commitment has grown into a broader global focus through Communities for Nature, building partnerships that support locally led environmental action, stronger livelihoods and more resilient communities across different parts of the world.

Alongside this work, Rhoda has led transformation, innovation and organisational change across different sectors. She loves bringing people together, building trusted partnerships and creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive, grounded in a belief that lasting change begins with local leadership and ownership.