Cha was born in Abaco, moved to California at age 11 and graduated from California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo. She returned to The Bahamas in 1985 and managed the Abaco Inn, a small resort in Hope Town, until 1990. During this time, she became involved with Friends of the Environment, where she served as President in the early years of the organization. Cha is a NAUI certified scuba diver, loves being near the ocean and is dedicated to sharing awareness on the importance of conservation. She also serves as a Board Member of the Bahamas Caves Research Foundation, is an Advisory Board Member of PERC (Preservation - Environment – Recreation – Community), and is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Chair for the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation.

A 9th generation Hope Town resident, Olivia has a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in Zoology with a concentration in environmental education and conservation through the Global Field Program at Miami University of Ohio. (View her Master’s portfolio of work). Olivia is passionate about conserving the environment for future generations of Bahamians and has been instrumental in partnerships that led to the designation of four protected areas in Abaco, building FRIENDS' education efforts, and developing and managing community conservation projects. In the early years of the organization, Olivia was one of FRIENDS' first student members.

Originally from Man-O-War Cay, Ruth grew up helping at the family businesses of The Sail Shop and Albury’s Ferry Service. Meeting new and interesting people on a daily basis helped shape her world-view and expand her experiences. In 1984 she moved to Elbow Cay and, along with her husband, started their first venture: Sea Spray Resort & Marina. After twenty years of success and growth she sold the business for a quieter life and time to spend raising her two sons. Today she lives in Marsh Harbour bringing her years of experience in the business world along with her love for Abaco to help FRIENDS in its mission for a more sustainable future for Abaco’s wildlife and people.  

Lianna was born in Nassau, New Providence and spent her whole life in Nassau until she graduated from Queen’s College high school in 2013. There, she went off to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. She graduated from Eckerd in May 2017 with a major in Marine Biology and minor in Leadership Studies. As a Bahamian, she found a great love for exploring the ocean and became passionate about conservation and education. Currently, she is pursuing her passion for the environment and education, as well as her dream of living on an out-island by being employed by Friends of the Environment in the beautiful Abaco’s.

Lyndeisha is an Abaco native with strong community ties; she has been involved with FRIENDS since her high school days at Forest Heights Academy. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with Chemistry in 2016 from the College of the Bahamas, Lyndeisha returned to Abaco where she was employed with Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club as a Camp Counselor. Lyndeisha is now pursuing her passion of engaging with locals to share knowledge about the environment and bring awareness to the importance of environmental stewardship. 

An 11th-generation Bahamian from Grand Bahama, Amanda has a diverse background and a strong commitment to education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. After graduating, Amanda entered the public school system in Abaco, demonstrating her dedication to excellence and community development. After Hurricane Dorian, Amanda founded and directed Little Learners Preschool in Marsh Harbour. Amanda's values align perfectly with FRIENDS' mission to promote environmental awareness and inspire positive change. She believes education and community building are vital catalysts for growth. Amanda aims to expand her expertise and make a greater impact on education and community advancement with FRIENDS!