Shellemai Roa:
Leading the Charge for a Circular Economy

As part of our "Voices of Circular Economy" series, Eco Kolek is thrilled to introduce Shellemai Roa, our new Program Director. A passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and community empowerment, Shellemai brings a wealth of experience and education to her role. As one of the founders of Project Zacchaeus, Shellemai has been dedicated to creating impactful solutions to environmental challenges, and now, as Program Director at Eco Kolek, she is steering the organization toward building a circular economy.

"We are rewriting the narrative of waste management by centering the dignity and professionalization of our Eco Warriors. Our mission is to transform these environmental stewards into recognized leaders who drive Puerto Princesa’s circular economy," Shellemai shares.

A Strong Educational Foundation

Shellemai's academic background provides a solid foundation for her work in environmental management. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Environmental Science from Palawan State University, and her commitment to learning didn't stop there. Shellemai completed a Master's in Environmental Management at PSU, followed by a second Master's degree in Development Management from the prestigious Asian Institute of Management. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge underscores her dedication to making a lasting impact on both the environment and the communities she serves.

With her extensive academic credentials, Shellemai brings a unique blend of environmental science expertise and development management experience to Eco Kolek. Her ability to integrate these disciplines enables her to lead projects that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially inclusive and economically viable.

Transforming Waste Management through Empowerment

At Eco Kolek, Shellemai is leading efforts to redefine waste management by focusing on the professionalization and dignity of waste workers, known as Eco Warriors. In her role as Program Director, Shellemai’s goal is to elevate the status of waste workers and empower them to become recognized leaders in the fight against plastic pollution. She emphasizes the importance of capacity-building, training, and leadership development, ensuring that Eco Warriors have the tools and knowledge they need to contribute to the circular economy effectively.

Her commitment to the Eco Warriors reflects her belief in the central role that these individuals play in creating sustainable systems. By providing them with opportunities for growth and recognition, Shellemai aims to create a workforce that is not only effective in waste management but also proud of their contributions to the environment and society.

Leadership and Strategic Direction

As Program Director, Shellemai’s leadership extends beyond the day-to-day management of projects. She is responsible for setting strategic directions and ensuring that Eco Kolek’s initiatives align with the organization’s goals and mission. Her work includes overseeing the development and implementation of community-based environmental solutions, particularly in waste recovery and recycling programs. Shellemai’s ability to align policy reforms with grassroots-level implementation helps ensure that Eco Kolek’s projects have long-term impact and are sustainable.

Her leadership also extends to managing stakeholder relationships, including with government agencies, development partners, and local communities. Shellemai is instrumental in fostering collaborative partnerships that enhance Eco Kolek’s programs and extend their reach. Her experience in grant writing and securing funding through international development partnerships enables Eco Kolek to access the resources necessary to expand and scale its work.

Looking to the Future: Empowering Communities and Advancing Sustainability

With Shellemai’s leadership, Eco Kolek is poised to make significant strides in promoting a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the community. Her vision of transforming waste workers into environmental leaders will help lay the foundation for a future where waste management is not just a job, but a respected profession.

Shellemai’s combination of academic expertise, hands-on experience, and commitment to community empowerment makes her an invaluable asset to Eco Kolek. We are excited to have Shellemai lead our efforts toward creating a cleaner, more sustainable Puerto Princesa and beyond.